As is known, the possibility of constructing a roundabout at the junction of Agia Fylaxis Street and Archbishop Makarios III Avenue (Café Pari area) has already caused a difference of opinion among the authorities.
"The ETEK, expresses its disagreement with the promotion for approval, by the Limassol Municipal Council to promote the implementation of the project for the creation of a roundabout at the junction of Agia Fylaxis Street and Archbishop Makarios III Avenue (Café Pari area) in Limassol," the statement reads.
The Chamber underlines that "the creation of a roundabout as a solution to reduce potential traffic congestion at this junction is contrary to the principles of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) for the city of Limassol and the actions proposed in the National Energy and Climate Plan for the reduction of pollutants in Cyprus".
In particular, the ETEK points out that the creation of a roundabout at this particular junction requires the allocation of a large area of public green space (removal of 2,800sqm of tree-lined park) from the site of the Lanitia Schools as well as the removal of a playground. These areas have for years been an attraction for residents of the area and the entire city. At the same time, the Chamber notes that the proposed solution impedes the operation of public transport within the city of Limassol, as it negatively affects the transfer of passengers, and may adversely affect the safe movement of pedestrians and especially schoolchildren in the area and the cycling network.
"The EESC recognises the need to solve traffic problems on the road network and the integration of key road networks in cities, but considers that the resolution of such issues should be based on modern planning, in line with the principles of sustainable mobility, which prioritises and encourages active travel, such as walking, cycling and public transport over the use of private cars.
It is worth noting that for several years now we have been seeing the urban centres of large cities in the European Union being redesigned, with the allocation of road space for the creation of pedestrian walkways and public green spaces, with a view precisely to redesigning urban centres on the basis of the principles of sustainable mobility and improving the quality of life of citizens.
Based on the above, the ETEK had timely invited the Limassol Municipality and the other competent authorities to proceed with the examination of alternative methods to solve the traffic problem in this confluence, based on the strategic objectives of the SDC for the city of Limassol (such as the creation of a light-controlled junction with pedestrian crossings on all its legs, as close as possible to the desired pedestrian route and with bus stops as close as possible to the junction and with the corresponding one-way routes as foreseen in the SDC which will allow for the creation of wide sidewalks, bicycle lanes and the possibility of tree planting for shading purposes), which unfortunately has not been done.
Given that the proposed design is moving towards adoption, ETEC calls on both the City Council and other relevant bodies to reflect on the implications of the implementation of such a project and not to proceed with its approval, based on the protection of public green space and respect for the principles of sustainable mobility", the statement concludes.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
