The Municipality of Nicosia has introduced significant changes to traffic regulations in the city centre, according to Deputy Mayor Chrysanthos Fakas during an interview on the television show Protoselido.
Following an extended session of the Municipal Council, a decision was made to open Makarios Avenue to all private vehicles on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Mr. Fakas explained, “Last night, the Municipal Council decided to extend access to all private vehicles from 7 in the morning to 9 in the evening. From 9 in the evening to 7 in the morning, the existing regulations will remain in place, allowing access only to residents and workers. On weekends, the same previous regulations will apply.”
However, the Deputy Mayor clarified that these changes are still subject to the approval of the Chief of Police and the Traffic Regulation Authority.
The decision affects the entire length of Makarios Avenue—from the intersection of Makarios and Spyros Kyprianou to Solomou Square, including Anastasiou Leventis Avenue, while Evagorou Street remains unaffected.
When asked about the potential impact on European funding for the Makarios renovation project, Mr. Fakas responded: “There is a political decision that includes exploring our new proposal, which will be submitted to the Structural Fund. We will inform them that we have partially modified traffic regulations. Funding depends on sustainable mobility indicators… and here, sustainable mobility has significantly increased.”
Mr. Fakas also noted that even if a small percentage of the funding needs to be returned, the Municipal Council will discuss and evaluate it as a political decision.
Regarding Minasiasou and Bouboulinas Streets, he confirmed that plans are underway to open them for connection to Makarios Avenue. “The Mayor’s proposal included the opening of Minasiasou Street. DISY’s team suggested minor modifications, and the opening of both Minasiasou and Bouboulinas Streets was adopted.”
Referring to the decision-making process, he emphasised the difficulties and differing opinions involved. “It was a tough decision. It was one of the few times we spent so many hours in discussion. For a year and a half, there has been debate over whether there would be changes to traffic regulations. That was not good for the atmosphere in Nicosia. The majority agreed that this uncertainty must end. The matter had to be closed.”
When asked about the reactions of shop owners, Mr. Fakas noted that “the overwhelming majority of shop owners wanted the re-evaluation of traffic regulations. In fact, they stressed that we are business owners here, and we need to be considered.”
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