Few positives to Tomb of the Kings road dual carriageway

There is much controversy over the proposed four-lane dual carriageway which is to be constructed along the Tomb of the Kings road. There appears to be little to commend it and a lot of reasons not to proceed with it.

Why is there a need for a four-lane dual carriageway?

Normally one would agree to upgrade the road for two reasons, firstly and foremostly to alleviate traffic congestion. Yet I have travelled this road for over four years and do not see this as a justification. The second reason would be to cut down the driving time between two locations. As the locations – Paphos to Coral Bay – are quite close, a four-lane dual carriageway would decrease the driving time by only a few minutes, thereby negating the need for such a project.

Now, what, if any, are the disadvantages of proceeding with this project?

There are in my opinion many drawbacks, two of which I have set out below.

Firstly, the Tomb of the Kings road is classed as one of the most dangerous roads on the island. Currently, the single lanes have some control on the speed of traffic; however, were there to be two-lane carriageways, there would inevitably be speeding and overtaking which would probably cause more road accidents.

Secondly: tourism is a major contribution to the island’s economy, but building a four-lane dual carriageway right through a major tourist area of Paphos will kill it in this location. I will not sit and eat or drink alongside four lanes of traffic. I would not want to breathe in the exhaust fumes, nor would I put up with the smell, the noise and the dust, and I do not believe visiting tourists would either. In addition it would be a nightmare trying to get across to the other side of the road.

I live here and have no connection with any of the parties involved in the discussions about whether the project should go ahead or not. I believe that The Tomb of the Kings road should remain as a single-lane carriageway and that the money allocated for the proposed project should be used to bring the road up to a proper standard. This would include resurfacing of the road, more pavements and proper lighting.

The only benefit I see in going ahead with the project is to the people who will make a great deal of money from carrying out the work.

 

Brian Taylor

Konia

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