Discussions on the issue of how to handle the recall of faulty Takata airbags are to be resumed in parliament on Monday, with reports of new proposals.

The previously drafted bill is to be put to the vote for approval which would enable the minister of transport to determine recall procedures by decree, after the Cyprus motor vehicle importers’ association had warned that the timeframe, as it stood, was unrealistic and would cause a recall “tsunami” for all stakeholders involved.

MPs are called upon to now approve the final text, decided on Thursday after multiple amendments.

The implementation of the law is set for February 3, 2025, by ministerial decree which will call on drivers to take corrective actions and/or immobilise their vehicles.

The department of road transport (Tom) is set to meet during the week with all stakeholders, including distributors, importers, the legal service, and other experts, according to a report in Philenews.

The goal is to find a method of minimising inconvenience to the public and includes the possibility of deactivating airbags for certain vehicles, for the time period pending their replacement.

For those owners unable to secure access to another car while their vehicle is immobilised, the ministry of transport is examining a proposal to offer free transport options.

The state is also looking to the European Union for assistance in finding the spare parts necessary to complete the recalls.

Meetings are to be held with each dealership to ascertain staffing and training needs in an effort to put in place measures to speed up replacements.

Importers meanwhile will receive reminders of their responsibilities, deriving from the European regulations and national legislation, listing actions expected from them.  

According to these regulations, importers are legally bound to implement the recall even if it is carried out by other authorised repairers. The obligation encompasses receiving information from the distributor, monitoring the recall, and updating Tom.

Elsewhere, a helpline set up by Tom for owners of Mazda Demios is to begin operating on Monday.

The number is 22 747100 and will be available starting at 1pm. Thereafter, it will be operate from 8am to 6pm on weekdays and 8am to 3pm on weekends.