Newly appointed Transport Minister Evi Tsolaki says she is prioritising practical measures to ease congestion, improve public transport and accelerate delayed infrastructure projects.
Speaking on the programme Morning Briefing, Tsolaki stressed that traffic problems must be examined on the ground and not solely from government offices.
"Solutions cannot be provided from offices," she said.
Small projects for immediate relief
Tsolaki said she has already begun reviewing smaller-scale projects that could deliver quick results.
She cited the planned opening of Idomeneos Street in Agia Fyla, which is expected to channel traffic eastwards and reduce pressure on the nearby roundabout.
Construction is expected to begin in January 2027 and take approximately three months.
Bus routes and schedules under review
The minister placed particular emphasis on public transport, saying bus routes and timetables need to be reassessed to better meet the needs of commuters.
She announced consultations with public transport operators on route frequency and journey times.
Regarding Park and Ride, Tsolaki said the scheme continues to operate successfully in Nicosia and expressed support for extending it to Limassol.
Additional Park and Ride facilities are also being promoted in Agios Tychonas and Kato Polemidia.
Three priorities for public works
Tsolaki outlined three main priorities:
- Delivering government commitments.
- Accelerating mature projects that have been delayed.
- Advancing projects that can be implemented immediately.
She also pledged to reduce delays associated with lengthy approval procedures for public works.
On the Paphos-Polis Chrysochous road, she insisted the project has not been abandoned.
For the Paphos-Stroumpi section, bids are currently before the evaluation committee, while planning and expropriation procedures are progressing for the Stroumpi-Polis Chrysochous phase.
Scooters, northern bypass and smart traffic lights
The minister said legislation is being prepared to allow authorities to impound scooters involved in traffic violations, while the creation of a registration database is also being examined.
Regarding the Limassol Northern Bypass, she said funding has been secured and plans are ready for the section linking Yiannos Kranidiotis Avenue with 1st April Avenue, while a feasibility study remains pending.
Tsolaki also said the smart traffic light system is technically ready for installation but remains subject to ongoing court proceedings.
€100,000 earmarked for speed bumps
The minister confirmed that the removal of certain speed bumps has already begun where deemed necessary, although she stressed there is no plan for a large-scale removal programme.
A budget of €100,000 has been allocated for the removal and reconstruction of traffic-calming measures where required.
