Measures to reduce through traffic and high speeds on Averof Street, in the area of the old Strovolos City Hall, were reviewed by the relevant Technical Committee following complaints from residents and on-site inspections by the police, according to a response by Minister of Justice and Public Order Costas Fytiris to a parliamentary question posed by Nicosia MP Savia Orfanidou.
The Committee decided, following an exchange of views and in consultation with the Municipality of Strovolos, to make a section of Klearchou Street one-way, from its intersection with Th. Kolokotronis Street to Averof Street, in the direction of Th. Kolokotronis Street. According to the Ministry, the goal is to completely prevent through traffic toward Averof Street.
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However, the measure has not yet been implemented. The Technical Committee’s decision must be approved by the Strovolos Municipal Council, and the legally required consent of the Chief of Police must be secured. Subsequently, the Municipality will need to install the required signage and traffic signals. According to the Minister’s response, the matter remains before the Municipal Council for discussion and a decision.
This development came after the Road Safety Office of Police Headquarters was informed, in early February, regarding problems caused by the increasing through traffic on Averof Street. On-site inspections followed, and on February 9, the Office sent a letter to the Traffic Studies and Road Safety Division of the Department of Public Works, requesting that the matter be examined by the relevant Technical Committee.
The matter was discussed on February 18, 2026. According to the Minister, Averof Street is used by drivers as an alternative route, resulting in increased through traffic and high speeds in a residential area.
In her parliamentary question, Ms. Orfanidou had cited repeated complaints from residents about the situation, highlighting the risks to the road safety of residents and pedestrians, especially children, and asking to be informed about what measures will be taken and according to what timeline.
More generally, the Ministry states that, to address such problems, it is analyzing traffic data, the times of day when through traffic is observed, and the directions of vehicle travel. Based on this data, traffic-calming measures, changes to traffic management and speed limits, changes to road markings and traffic signals, as well as road construction measures, can be implemented.
Source: CNA/Central archive image.
