Mersin launches 24/7 electronic monitoring on seaside, fines 3,000 drivers

Mersin Büyükşehir Belediyesi activated a 24‑hour Electronic Monitoring System (EDS) on the city’s beachfront promenade and bike path on 1 January 2026. The system, overseen by the municipal police (Zabıta), monitors the stretch from Babil Junction to Mersin Port with cameras that relay live footage to a control centre at the Macit Özcan Sports Complex. Any motor‑vehicle that enters the pedestrian or bicycle lanes is automatically detected and the driver is issued a fine of 3 705 TL, with a 25 % discount if paid within one month. By early 2026 the EDS had recorded violations by roughly 3 000 drivers. Municipal official Zülküf Aktürk explained that the measure follows the city’s “Emir ve Yasaklar Yönetmeliği” prohibiting motorised traffic on these paths and is intended to protect public safety. Residents have praised the system, noting reduced speeds and fewer incidents, while the municipality said monitoring will continue alongside regular patrols.