Radar backlash slows down AKP: Are traffic fines being postponed?
The Traffic Law proposal, which envisions hikes of up to 220 percent, has been postponed due to reactions against radar practices and public pressure. The government will wait for a report on speed limits and radar locations to be prepared by the Ministry of Transport until the new legislative year.
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The legislative proposal, which envisions increases of up to 220 percent in traffic fines, was expected to come to the General Assembly agenda during the summer period after being accepted by the Parliamentary Justice Commission. However, the reaction shown by citizens, especially with the intensive radar controls implemented during the Eid al-Adha holiday, caused the regulation to be shelved.
RADAR BACKLASH DIVIDES AKP
In addition to the growing criticism in public opinion, some high-level AKP officials also expressed their discomfort with the radar practices. While issuing fines to drivers in areas where speed limits change suddenly is described as a "trap," the view that these practices damage the trust of citizens was also brought to the agenda at the AKP Central Executive Board (MYK) meeting.
PROPOSAL SHELVED, REPORT AWAITED
The AKP administration has not completely abandoned the proposal regarding high increases in traffic fines. However, it was announced that the proposal will not be discussed in this legislative year and that the completion of the technical report to be prepared by the Ministry of Transport will be awaited. According to party sources, the proposal will be brought back to the agenda in the new legislative year.
RADARS AND SIGNS UNDER THE LENS
Under the coordination of the Ministry of Transport, highway teams, police, and gendarmerie units are conducting a detailed study across Turkey. Issues such as speed limits, sign placements, and radar locations are being reviewed. In some regions, drivers are being fined due to sudden changes in speed limits, which leads to serious grievances. The Ministry aims to resolve these problems with technical regulations.
“THE PROBLEM IS NOT THE FINES, BUT THE IMPLEMENTATION”
According to AKP sources, there will be no changes to the rates of the fines. However, by eliminating technical deficiencies, the implementation will be made fairer and more transparent. Party staff assessed, “Human life is more important than anything. However, technical errors should not victimize citizens. For this reason, we have slowed down the process a bit.”
30 THOUSAND LIRA FINE ON THE WAY
According to the proposal, the 9 thousand 267 TL fine given to drivers who exceed the speed limit by more than 50 percent will be increased to 30 thousand TL. The penalty system will be tiered; lower fines will be applied to drivers who exceed the speed limit slightly, and higher fines to those who exceed it significantly. This aims to make traffic fines personalized and proportionate.