Cyprus is one step closer to introducing smart traffic lights aimed at easing congestion across major roads in Nicosia and Limassol.
The Department of Public Works is nearing the award of the contract following legal proceedings over the tender. Once approved, work is expected to begin after the contract is signed.
The first phase will cover 125 signalised junctions – 75 in Nicosia and 50 in Limassol – with plans to expand the system nationwide.
The smart traffic management system will use sensors to collect real-time traffic data and automatically adjust traffic light timings based on vehicle flow. All junctions will be connected to a central control centre, improving traffic management and reducing unnecessary delays.
The system will also give priority to public transport and emergency vehicles and will be capable of remotely monitoring up to 500 traffic-light junctions across Cyprus.
According to the Department of Public Works, the project is expected to deliver significant benefits, including:
- 10–25% shorter travel times
- 15–30% fewer delays
- Reduced stop-and-go traffic
- 28% faster public transport journeys
- 8–10% lower fuel consumption
- 10–15% fewer vehicle emissions
The €7.1 million project is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the THALEIA 2021–2027 programme and forms part of Cyprus’ wider Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) strategy.
Source: Vasos Vasileiou- Phileleutheros
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