Alleviating the traffic problem is one of the key priorities of her term in office, the new Minister of Transportation, Communications, and Public Works, Evanthia Tsolaki, told CNA. She noted that all proposals currently under consideration will be evaluated so that those that can be implemented can move forward. She noted that among the proposals to be studied is the expansion of the Park & Ride service.
“First of all, I would like to thank the President of the Republic once again for the honor he has bestowed upon me and the trust he has placed in me, by entrusting me with this very important portfolio, which is full of major challenges,” Ms. Tsolaki said at the outset.
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“Traffic is certainly one of the priorities because it affects the daily lives of citizens and visitors. We must find ways to alleviate it in collaboration with the other relevant agencies,” she noted.
As Ms. Tsolaki said, “there are already some ideas” regarding traffic.
He mentioned that he has already begun discussions with the Director General and the directors of all the Ministry’s departments and that he is being kept constantly informed.
“We will put all the proposals on the table to see which ones are feasible, and we will follow up with further announcements,” the Minister noted.
Continuing, Ms. Tsolaki said that major projects are currently underway, and she also referred to the recent meeting Mr. Vafeadis had with the Limassol Municipality, during which various issues were discussed.
As she explained, during the meeting, a unified and comprehensive plan for projects and interventions was drawn up to address Limassol’s traffic problem.
These include the northern bypass and the expansion and upgrading of the main road network, Ms. Tsolaki explained.
She also added that the plan includes high-priority measures and strategic infrastructure projects.
“I will review all of these so that I can pick up where Mr. Vafeadis left off—whom I also thank and congratulate for all he accomplished during his tenure,” she noted.
When asked whether the Ministry would consider adopting measures used in other European countries to address traffic congestion, Ms. Tsolaki replied, “Of course, we’ll look at everything.”
“Today I also have a meeting with the Department of Road Transport to discuss all these issues, as well as current topics raised in various media reports, such as the ADR international agreement, and we’ll get back to you,” she said.
When asked about her other priorities, Ms. Tsolaki said that these include “improving the road network, not only to alleviate traffic congestion but also to facilitate transportation more generally.”
“We also need to look at all the other departments within the Ministry. There are issues concerning airports and ports. I, too, am waiting for the briefing to see what’s pending so that I can set priorities,” she added.
When asked whether the expansion of the Park & Ride service is being considered, Ms. Tsolaki replied that “it is one of the proposals that will be studied because it certainly helps.”
As she explained, this measure helps alleviate traffic congestion and increase the availability of parking spaces.
He went on to note that meetings must be held with the companies that manage public transportation in order to find ways to increase the number of routes.
“We will strive for the common good. We will continue the work of the previous Minister, Mr. Vafeadis. It goes without saying that any decision we make will be preceded by relevant consultation,” the Minister of Transportation concluded.
