The Council of Ministers, at its meeting today, approved the proposal of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works for the development policy for the creation of public amenity areas including sanitary facilities and recharging stations on Cyprus' motorway network. The recommendation came about following requests from tourism bodies and other organised groups, with the aim of supporting motorway users.
According to the Ministry of Transport, the operation of such infrastructure is particularly widespread in most foreign countries, where distances are greater. In Cyprus, although the distances are relatively short, the proposal has been positively evaluated, as it is expected to meet the needs of both local users of the network and visitors and tourists to the country.
Specifically, in the framework of a study carried out by the Department of Public Works, a distance (density) criterion of 30 km has been set for the relevant infrastructure. After taking into account the main urban centres, as well as savings by using existing public spaces and infrastructure (e.g. (e.g. bus stations and weighing stations), these infrastructures will be set up, in the first instance, at the following locations:
Alambra (Alambra - Nicosia section)
Xylotympou (Alambra - Ayia Napa section)
Kofinou (Alambra - Limassol section)
Episkopi (Limassol - Paphos section, direction from Paphos)
Mandria (Limassol - Paphos section, direction from Limassol)
.
In addition, in a second phase and upon completion of the road construction works, public toilets, recharging stations and other facilities will be opened on the Nicosia-Astromeritis-Eurichos and Paphos-Poleos Chrysochous motorways.
At these points, services will be provided on a 24-hour basis, with sanitary facilities for men, women and disabled persons, small cafeteria/pavilion facilities, as well as charging points for electric vehicles.
In a written statement, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Mr. Yannis Karousos, said that "the creation of such infrastructure on Cyprus' motorways will have multiple advantages and will serve the needs of users and vehicles on the motorways, thus increasing the overall level of functionality of the public road network".
In addition, according to the Minister of Transport, "this infrastructure will contribute to the achievement of the individual policies promoted by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, such as road safety, the development and enhancement of electrification of road transport, support for public transport and, more broadly, sustainable development objectives." In conclusion, Mr. Karousos expressed the assessment that the operation of such infrastructure will contribute in a subsidiary manner to other Government policies related to the areas of tourism, economic development, as well as job creation.
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