ONE OF the most talked about pilot projects for tackling road congestion has been pushed back for a third time by the authorities who say more time is needed before the “2+ Lane” system can be introduced.
Communications Minister Nicos Nicolaides said yesterday that traffic flow in the capital had simply not dropped as much as predicted by the ministry for this time of year.
“One of the pre-conditions of implementing the 2+ system is to have traffic congestion go down to 70 per cent of the usual flow. We expected this to happen by early July, but that has not happened,” said Nicolaides.
“Perhaps Cypriots have changed their habits or they’re not going on holiday anymore,” he added.
Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, the minister said that there were less cars on the road overall, but that little change had been recorded in numbers during peak hours.
“There is still a lot of traffic during peak times, and that is what counts for us. We need a 30 per cent reduction in congestion during peak rush hours. Right now, it’s something like 15 per cent and it’s not enough.”
Nicolaides explained that 70 per cent was no “magic number” but calculated to ensure that the number of single-person vehicles on the roads would count for about half of all vehicles on the roads once the measure is implemented. This ensures that the rather complicated scheme of forcing all single-person vehicles onto the right lane of the main thoroughfares coming into the capital will not cause massive problems and delays.
Nicolaides said the public would get a few days warning before 2+ comes into effect, adding that no matter when it started, the pilot project would end as scheduled on August 16.
“We want to make technical conclusions from the pilot project. We won’t be changing transport culture with this. For that, we’ll need to implement all our transport programmes for one or two years,” he said.
Asked whether negative reaction to the scheme had played a part in the constant delays in starting the project, Nicolaides was adamant: “That is not the reason for the delays.”
“We are sensitive to the public’s views on this matter. Perhaps conditions are not ripe for it but we have to try something,” he added.
The measure was due to be introduced on June 29 for a fixed period, but the ministry decided to delay the pilot project first by ten days to let traffic congestion ease up before implementation. After the ten days passed, the ministry pushed it back another few days, citing high congestion levels. Yesterday, the minister confirmed that the window of opportunity had yet to open and another extension was necessary.
According to the scheme, single-person vehicles would be banned from the left lane on the main thoroughfares of Makarios and Limassol Avenues coming into the capital.
The left lane will be reserved for buses, taxis, emergency service vehicles, cars driven by the disabled, motorcycles and private vehicles carrying two or more people, hence the “2+”.
The scheme 2+ will apply from Monday to Friday, between 7am and 7pm. The fine for non-compliance is €23. The ministry hopes the project will eventually encourage greater use of public transport and car pooling.
