Yerlikaya had rejected it, Çiftçi approved: Traffic fine exemption granted to former members of parliament

Citizens who exceed the speed limit or run red lights in traffic are forced to pay significantly increased fines under the new regulation. However, the same situation will no longer apply to former members of parliament; with the change, vehicles used by approximately 1,100 former MPs will not be fined for radar and red light violations.

YERLİKAYA HAD REJECTED IT, ÇİFTÇİ APPROVED

According to a report by Veli Toprak from Sözcü, this decision taken by the Ministry of Interior was previously not approved by former Minister Ali Yerlikaya, but was accepted by the new Minister Mustafa Çiftçi. For current members of parliament, this privilege is still applied for up to two vehicles.

With the new traffic fines, drivers who commit red light violations face fines starting from at least 5,000 liras, and this figure can rise up to 80,000 liras depending on the repetition of the violation or the severity of the situation. Sanctions for exceeding the speed limit also start from 2,000 liras and reach up to 30,000 liras. Furthermore, thanks to the exception introduced, former MPs will not pay these fines and will also be granted right-of-way in traffic.

Speaking about the decision in question, a former member of parliament made the following assessment regarding the criticisms directed at the practice:

“It is easy for the press and media to criticize and attack politicians. Since such a right exists, we should use it. Why is it not a subject of criticism when the same right is given to some bureaucrats, but it is criticized mercilessly when it is a member of parliament or a political figure? If it is to be opposed, this right should not be given to anyone except ambulances, police, fire trucks, and health-related situations!”

News Source: 12punto