‘Traffic bans will only be implemented after schemes to promote greener transport’
Any measure to regulate the movement of fuel guzzling vehicles will not be made until a series of measures are implemented to promote the use of low and zero emission vehicles, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades said on Sunday.
According to the terms of the Recovery and Resilience Plan, Cyprus is obliged to introduce a lane within the next year that can only be used by vehicles of defined categories.
This measure, Vafeades said, is already applied to the bus lanes in Nicosia, and there are now discussions to allow electric or low emissions vehicles to use them too.
It will also require the inclusion in advertisements for the purchase or use of normal vehicles content that promotes alternative modes of transport, including walking, cycling and the use of public passenger transport.
“As a government we will continue to present measures, policies and plans that promote the green transition. The aim is to create the right conditions to use the legislative tool with maximum success, both in terms of environmental objectives and in the smooth transition to more environmentally friendly means of transport,” Vafeades said.
He added that “the reduction of pollutants continues to remain high on our priorities, as Cyprus has made commitments to the European Union, but mainly because the protection of our health and our quality of life is of fundamental importance.”
Referring to recent publications and posts regarding the proposed ban on certain vehicles, he said the law covering the reduction of greenhouse gases by road users was submitted by the previous government in response to the requirements of the Recovery and Resilience Plan.
After the current government took office, the law was forwarded to the House transport committee where it was discussed more than 10 times with all stakeholders.
In November 2023, it was passed into law by 38 votes in favour and three against.
Vafeades also established a technical committee to consult with competent local authorities, which he said would be involved in the decision-making process with the ultimate goal of benefiting from such arrangements “that will upgrade the quality of life.”
Cleaner air is not only a necessary policy, but a commitment to the wellbeing of future generations, the minister added.
“The active participation and initiatives of society are a central objective of the Nikos Christodoulides government, in order to build a sustainable future,” he said.