The Nicosia City Council has approved a proposal to reopen Makariou Avenue to private vehicles, ending the long-standing restriction that limited access to public transport and authorized vehicles only.
The decision came after a lengthy council meeting that began at 6:00 pm on Thursday. The proposal, put forward by the Municipal Group of the Democratic Rally (DISY), passed with a majority vote, despite opposition from Mayor Charalambos Prunyzos, who voted against it.
Key Details of the New Traffic Arrangement
The new regulation affects the section of Makariou Avenue between Spyrou Kyprianou Avenue and Evagorou Avenue. Under the updated plan:
Private vehicles will be allowed access to the avenue from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., using a single lane with two-way traffic, effectively softening the avenue’s pedestrian-focused character.
From 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., the previous restrictions will be reinstated, limiting access only to authorized and public service vehicles to preserve the area’s residential character and minimize environmental impact during nighttime hours.
Additional Measures
The DISY proposal also includes the opening of Mnasiadou and Bouboulinas streets to create north-south connectors adjacent to Makariou. These new access points are expected to improve traffic circulation and ease congestion in central Nicosia.
On weekends, the current restrictions will remain in effect, maintaining the avenue as a pedestrian-friendly zone intended for leisure and public enjoyment.
The same traffic model is proposed for Anastasios Leventis Avenue, aligning regulations with those on Makariou to ensure consistency across central Nicosia.
The Council’s decision has sparked mixed public reactions. Supporters view the reopening as a move to revitalize Nicosia’s commercial center, potentially boosting footfall and economic activity. Critics, however, warn that increased traffic could undermine air quality and diminish the area’s livability.
Of particular interest is the expected response from the European Union, as the original urban redesign project, which emphasized sustainable transport and pedestrian space, was co-financed by EU funds. Observers are closely watching whether the new direction will conflict with the EU’s environmental and urban planning principles.
( Source : Politis)
