Arıklı: A Graduated Penalty System in Traffic Would Be Fairer

Reviewing developments in 2025, Arıklı said both the government and the Yeniden Doğuş Partisi, of which he is chairman, had completed a productive and successful year, with many planned projects having been implemented.

He noted that the information technology sector is not affected by embargoes and said Northern Cyprus has significant potential in meeting the criteria sought by software developers. In this context, Arıklı stressed that the fibre-to-the-home project has become essential in line with software and digitalisation targets.

Pointing out that establishing fibre infrastructure solely with domestic resources would be difficult, Arıklı announced that work would begin next month in cooperation with Türk Telekom, initially covering 26 universities. He said the project was of major importance in strengthening the share of the IT sector in the island’s economy. Arıklı also stated that legislative work on cyber security is continuing, underlining that the process would proceed within the framework of the law and without restricting individual freedoms.

Commenting on traffic cameras, Arıklı said the current system operates with older features and that any new capabilities would require approval from the Council of Ministers. He noted that the cameras currently monitor only speed, that warning signs have been installed, and that sufficient infrastructure is in place, while additional features are pending technical and legal arrangements.

Turning to traffic fines, Arıklı reiterated that a graduated penalty system would be more appropriate and said the government aims to introduce legislation accordingly. He recalled that the law envisaging high traffic fines had been adopted unanimously, stressing that the focus should be on regulations that serve the public interest rather than on criticism.