Tackling traffic congestion will be among the top priorities of her tenure, Cyprus' new Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Evanthia Tsolaki, sais on Friday, adding that all proposals currently on the table will be assessed before decisions are taken on their implementation. She said expanding the Park & Ride service is among the measures under consideration.
According to Tsolaki, "there are already a number of ideas under consideration" to address traffic congestion.
"We will put all the proposals on the table, examine which are feasible and come back with further announcements," the Minister said.
She added that major infrastructure projects are already under way and referred to the recent meeting between her predecessor, Alexis Vafeades, and the Municipality of Limassol, during which a number of transport-related issues were discussed.
According to Tsolaki, the meeting resulted in a unified and comprehensive plan for projects and interventions aimed at addressing Limassol's traffic congestion.
The plan includes the Northern Limassol Bypass, as well as the completion and upgrading of the main road network, she explained.
She added that the planning also provides for high-priority interventions and strategic infrastructure projects.
Asked whether the Ministry would consider adopting measures implemented in other European countries to tackle traffic congestion, Tsolaki replied: "Of course, we will look at everything."
"I have a meeting today with the Department of Road Transport to discuss all these issues, as well as matters that have been highlighted in recent media reports, such as the ADR Agreement, and we will come back with further announcements," she said.
Asked about her other priorities, Tsolaki said these include "improving the road network, not only for the purpose of easing traffic congestion but also to facilitate mobility more broadly."
"We also need to look at all the other departments of the Ministry. There are issues concerning the airports and the ports. I, too, am waiting to be fully briefed so that I have an overview of pending issues and set my priorities," she added.
Asked whether expanding the Park & Ride service was under consideration, Tsolaki replied that it "is one of the proposals that will be examined because it certainly helps."
She went on to say that meetings should be held with public transport operators in order to identify ways of increasing the frequency of services.
"We will work for the common good. We will continue the work of the previous Minister, Mr Vafeades. Naturally, every decision we take will be preceded by the necessary consultation," the Minister concluded.
