**Title: Vafeades Announces Adjustments to Limassol Cycle Lane Bollards Following Community Concerns**
**Limassol, Cyprus** – Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades announced on Tuesday that a collaborative proposal has emerged from discussions between the Public Works Department and the Limassol municipality regarding the controversial pedestrian crossings and bollards that were recently installed as part of the city’s sustainable urban mobility plan.
During a press briefing, Vafeades emphasized that the discussions had led to the identification of "golden ratios," which refer to a balanced approach to road safety and community needs. The proposal includes the removal of certain bollards and pedestrian measures, which will be replaced with alternative safety interventions designed to enhance accessibility and mobility for both residents and motorists.
The minister confirmed that senior engineers conducted on-site inspections to assess the situation before devising potential solutions. "The aim is to balance road safety requirements with concerns raised by residents and businesses affected by the changes," Vafeades stated.
Currently, the proposed changes are pending approval from the Limassol municipal council. Vafeades noted, “At the moment we are awaiting the approval of the city council to what the department has responded to. Once we have that, the projects will be implemented and there will be changes.”
The installation of plastic bollards along various roads in Limassol aimed to create a safer environment for cyclists by separating cycle lanes from vehicle traffic. However, this initiative sparked significant controversy among residents and motorists, who expressed concerns regarding accessibility, road layout, and the overall impact of these measures on daily movement.
The situation escalated when footage surfaced showing a driver removing several bollards from Thekla Lysioti Street, drawing further attention to the discontent surrounding the changes. In response, the Limassol municipality took action by removing bollards from areas near school premises. Mayor Yiannis Armeftis explained that this decision was made to facilitate safer access for student drop-off and pick-up.
Prior to the recent discussions, the municipality had sent an 11-point letter to the Transport Ministry, outlining specific adjustments they sought regarding the projects being implemented by the Public Works Department. Vafeades acknowledged that while consultations had been ongoing, there appeared to be a disconnect between the changes and the residents' understanding of their implications. “What has become clear is that people most likely did not realise what would happen in front of their homes, and I consider this a weakness,” he remarked.
The Transport Minister reiterated the importance of addressing community concerns while maintaining a focus on safety and mobility. “A sustainable urban Limassol is something that will serve our children and future generations,” Vafeades concluded, highlighting the long-term vision behind the sustainable urban mobility plan.
As Limassol continues to evolve with these proposed changes, the municipal council's forthcoming decision will be crucial in determining the future of the city's road safety measures and the overall effectiveness of the sustainable urban mobility initiative.