INSTALL 'WAZE' FOR A BETTER DRIVING EXPERIENCE
ARE TRAFFIC CAMERAS IN CYPRUS REALLY FOR ROAD SAFETY OR TO CREATE REVENUE?
This debate rages on with arguments being made on both sides of the fence. Whilst Cypriot authorities acknowledge that traffic cameras do indeed create a great deal of revenue for Government coffers, they also maintain that Cyprus roads are much safer now due to their island wide installation.
HOW EFFECTIVE ARE TRAFFIC CAMERAS?
This leads nicely on to the second question. Are traffic cameras effective at reducing speeding drivers or preventing accidents on Cyprus roads? Its probably too early to say, but the recent influx and rapid installation of these devices all over the island has led to some people questioning their effectiveness or validity. Controversy has also led to drivers contesting a large percentage of fines and winning their argument in court. This has proved in many ways that drivers have inherited a new game of cat and mouse on Cyprus roads.
AN UNFAIR PLAYING FIELD
A RECENT SPOTLIGHT
Cyprus drivers have often stated that traffic cameras have created an unfair playing field and that instead of penalising bad drivers, they have instead unfairly caught out otherwise careful and considerate road users. It has been noted that road speed limit changes are not properly signposted and that cameras often are not enforced with the proper signage according to highway rules. It is also true to say that once drivers know where speed cameras are, they then slow down for that section of road and then speed up again thereafter, making some static cameras obdelete.. Traffic cameras have also recently been in the spotlight because they have been fining people for stopping on the white lines, meaning that drivers have not run any red lights, but have simply got too close to the stop section of the junction.
WHAT IS WAZE?
Some drivers in Cyprus have now turned to technology to help even up the playing field and the majority have chosen to install Waze onto their smartphones. Waze is an accurate GPS navigation tool that is owned by Google. Once installed it can be easily used to provide real-time traffic information, route planning, and turn-by-turn navigation. Waze not only helps drivers find the best routes for their destinations, but also to helps identify fixed and mobile traffic camera locations all around the island.
REGULAR UPDATES
Waze receives regular real-time updates that helps drivers navigate roads in Cyprus more safely. wAZE provides drivers with advanced warnings of changes on the road ahead. It also notifies drivers of adhoc changes such as traffic congestion and accidents on their route allowing them more time to shift lanes or even take a detour.
KEY FEATURES
Navigation & alternative routes: Waze can be set to offer the quickest route to any given location, and then will issue verbal as well as visual instructions along the route. It can also be set to offer alternative routes which will avoid certain roads that have excessive traffic cameras. An alternative route may not be the fastest way to any given destination, but may provide drivers with a less stressful journey.
Hidden & fixed traffic cameras: Waze will help drivers avoid hidden and fixed speed traps and will warn drivers of traffic cameras at junctions
Speed limits: Waze can be set to update the driver of any sudden decreasing speed limits in advance.
Hazard detection: The hazard detection function can be set to include speed bumps, sharp turns, and toll booths.
Parking: Waze provides information on car parks and parking spaces and will also tell drivers what the costs are and whether the parking facility is covered or open to the elements.
Roundabout navigation: This feature will teach people how to properly navigate a roundabout on any given route. Waze will point out when to enter, when to switch lanes, and where to exit a roundabout.
HOW DO I USE WAZE?
1. Open the Waze app on your smartphone after downloading the Waze app from your mobile phone’s respective App Store
2. Sign up for a Waze account, allowing Waze to access your location so it can provide you with real-time traffic information
3. Enter a destination into the destination section and then choose the preferred route based on the options provided by Waze
4. Start the navigation and follow the visual voice-guided instructions to reach your destination
Waze will also report incidents, such as traffic accidents, hazards, or traffic camera and police presence along your route
Google maps now integrates Waze incident reports
With the addition of incident reports from Waze, Google Maps has added a new function that improves navigation in real time. The function lets users view Waze-sourced reports of road conditions, including speed cameras, police presence, and road closures. Through the app’s prompts, users may also actively verify these conditions, assuring other drivers accurate and current information.
This move comes after Google disclosed plans in July to share data across the two applications in an effort to enhance both platforms. Waze’s thorough road condition reports, which are now showing up in Google Maps to offer additional navigation support, are among the shared data.
Users can update or confirm the status of these reports to reflect the current situation, just like they can with other Google Maps notifications. This is anticipated to spread to a greater extent and Google has stated that Maps and Waze will remain independent applications in spite of this partnership.
Waze’s distinctive features, which set it apart from Google Maps, are valued by its sizable community of over 500,000 contributors. Likewise, Google Maps users are found to prefer its unique features. Information sharing across both platforms are thought to be Google’s attempt to improve user experience, utilising the advantages of both platforms while keeping both their individual identities.
