CTP representative Ürün Solyalı stated that 150 cameras had been ordered from a company named RADARSAN in Turkey, without seeking consent from the Assembly. He expressed concern about where the data collected by these radars would go. Solyalı emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to traffic issues and noted the party’s sensitivity regarding this matter.
He mentioned that the protocol signed with the Republic of Turkey is about establishing new camera systems to increase traffic safety. He expressed his suspicion because the signatory was Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı. Solyalı noted that while no one objected to collaborating with Turkey for safer roads and traffic, the conditions under which this collaboration would take place were in question. He highlighted the ambiguity regarding the current state of the cameras already installed and noted that 40 out of the 150 cameras mentioned in the protocol had been ordered from the RADAR-SAN company in Turkey without waiting for the protocol to pass the Assembly.
Solyalı indicated that his party had investigated who would be responsible for these 150 radar systems and how they would be implemented and found that orders were placed with the RADARSAN company before the protocol passed the Assembly. He questioned, “Who owns these radars, who will update the software, where will the data flow… Without answers to these, they acted as if the protocol had passed and placed the order with the company, disregarding the Assembly’s will”. Solyalı said that they would vote against this protocol as CTP.
Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı expressed his disappointment that the CTP would vote against such an important matter, noting that many lives are lost in traffic accidents every day and new radar-camera systems are needed. He pointed out that some of the existing cameras, purchased for 40,000 euros, are no longer usable and emphasised that the new cameras from Turkey would be much more up-to-date. He added that the cost would be covered by the Republic of Turkey and that processes such as procurement, installation, and software would be carried out by Turkey in cooperation with local units.
Arıklı mentioned that ASELSAN and RADAR-SAN are working together on this project, pointing out serious loopholes in the current traffic system. He stated that the new system would detect speeding violations instantly and notify the authorities and vehicle owners immediately. Responding to criticism about placing orders before the protocol was brought to the General Assembly’s agenda, Arıklı said they did not think the opposition would say no to such an important project, so they started the procedures immediately after signing the protocol. Arıklı said that the camera systems were expected to be completed within a year and provided information about the intelligent scale and intersection systems.
The bill was passed by a majority in the General Assembly with 25 votes in favour and 4 against.
