For more than two years, traffic cameras on one of the main arteries of the Nicosia suburb of Engomi have not been in operation following the failure to renew a contract.

The cameras on Grivas Digenis avenue have been inactive since October 2022although their continuing presence on the road does unsettle some drivers.

According to Politis, the cameras were first installed in 2014 after residents and authorities grew weary of late-night car races along the avenue, mainly between young motorists.

Positioned between the intersections of Grivas Digenis with Nikos Kranidiotis and Ayiou Procopiou, the devices were an immediate success: reckless driving plummeted, and the roar of engines at night faded.

But locals soon complained of being unfairly fined, leading to a rare concession when the road safety council raised the speed limit on that stretch from 50 km/h to 65 km/h, with the cameras only triggering at 70 km/h.

Unlike newer systems, these older models photographed only the rear licence plates, sidestepping privacy concerns by avoiding images of drivers’ faces.

However, the private company maintaining the cameras contract expired on October 4, 2022.

Police confirmed that no replacement agreement was signed, rendering the cameras inoperative. Yet, rather than being dismantled, they were left in place, creating confusion among motorists.

The force clarified that while the cameras are no longer functional, their physical removal has been delayed due to administrative processes.

While a new, nationwide speed camera network is being rolled out, the particular section of Grivas Digenis has not so far been included. Authorities confirmed that while no immediate reinstallation is planned, the area remains under review.