A new bill proposes key measures to tackle traffic congestion, addressing critical issues such as school zone management, staggered working hours, and the publication of traffic flow indicators. Disy MP Fotini Tsiridou, who submitted the bill on Monday, emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach that prioritises citizens’ needs.
Traffic congestion: Five Measures to Combat Traffic Issues
The proposed legislation outlines five essential initiatives aimed at reducing congestion and improving transportation efficiency. These measures include:
- Management of obstructions in school zones
- Implementation of staggered working hours
- Publication of traffic flow indicators
- State responsibility for holistic traffic planning
- Establishment of Traffic Management Centres (TMCs)
Goals for Reduced Travel Times
The road network decongestion and sustainable mobility law sets ambitious targets, aiming for a 20 per cent reduction in peak-time travel on key road routes. Additionally, the bill seeks to achieve a 25 per cent increase in public transport usage and a 50 per cent decrease in parking violations within bus lanes and flow zones.
Traffic Management Centres for Coordination
According to Philenews, the bill proposes the establishment of TMCs in each district, which will operate under the transport ministry’s oversight. These centres will be responsible for:
- Coordinating traffic lights to enhance flow
- Monitoring priority lanes designated for buses and multi-passenger vehicles
- Managing towing operations and road incidents
- Publishing monthly data on traffic delays and emissions
Public Transport Prioritisation
A significant aspect of the bill is the expansion and protection of public transport priority lanes. Additionally, it proposes the creation of special lanes for cars carrying at least three passengers, promoting carpooling and reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the roads.
Flow Zones to Enhance Traffic Flow
Each district will be required to designate at least three ‘flow zones,’ where stopping or parking will be prohibited from 7am to 7pm. Vehicles violating this regulation will face towing within ten minutes, with no costs incurred by the driver, as stipulated by the approved safety and transparency protocol.
Enhancing Safety in School Zones
In a bid to improve student safety, the bill suggests creating 200m school zones around educational institutions. During peak arrival and departure times, these zones will only be accessible to school buses, parents, residents, and emergency vehicles. Supervision of these zones will fall under the jurisdiction of police and municipal authorities, ensuring compliance and safety.
Staggered Working Hours for Better Traffic Distribution
Another proposal within the bill is the institutionalisation of staggered working hours in the public sector, divided into three timeframes: 7am to 3pm, 8am to 4pm, and 9am to 5pm. This measure aims to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads during peak traffic periods.
Moreover, private companies with over 50 employees will be mandated to submit a mobility plan, which must include staggered hours or teleworking for at least one day per week for 20 per cent of their workforce. This initiative is expected to alleviate congestion during busy hours.
Transparency and Data Accessibility
A key component of the proposed legislation is the emphasis on transparency and public access to traffic data. The ‘Open Cyprus Traffic System’ will be launched to provide monthly updates on traffic delays, emissions, and violations. This system will be accessible free of charge to all users, ensuring that personal data is not processed or published.
Funding the Initiative
The bill will be financed through the traffic management fund, with resources sourced from the recovery and resilience fund, the European cohesion fund, and the transport ministry. This multi-faceted funding approach aims to ensure the sustainability of the proposed measures.
The introduction of this bill marks a significant step towards addressing the ongoing traffic congestion issues faced by many urban areas. By implementing these measures, the government hopes to create a more efficient and safer transport system for all citizens.
