road signs

The Parliament of Cyprus has passed a law criminalizing the damage, defacement, or alteration of traffic signs. The new legislation amends the Road Safety Law and imposes penalties of up to six months in prison, a fine of up to €1,700, or both for such offenses. The bill was introduced by Disy MP Nikos Georgiou and was passed unanimously. The law aims to deter vandalism of traffic signs, which not only causes inconvenience to the public but can also create dangerous situations for drivers. Akel MP Costas Costa noted that the state spends between €200,000 to €300,000 annually on the restoration or repair of traffic signs. Diko’s Christos Orfanides mentioned that the Road Transport Department is now using a special foil on new traffic signs that allows graffiti to be removed easily. Alterations to traffic signs can confuse motorists regarding speed limits and directions, and can negatively impact the island’s image to tourists. Diko deputy Zacharias Koulias commented on the poor state of many traffic signs in Cyprus, with many being faded and illegible.

The Parliament of Cyprus passed a law making it a criminal offense to damage, deface, or alter traffic signs. The new legislation amends the Road Safety Law and imposes penalties of up to six months in prison, a fine of up to €1,700, or both. The bill was tabled by Disy MP Nikos Georgiou and passed unanimously. The state spends between €200,000 to €300,000 annually on restoring or repairing traffic signs. The Road Transport Department is replacing defaced signs with ones coated with a special foil that allows graffiti to be removed easily.