Dialogos

'Suffocating Situation' in Cities – AKEL Criticizes Transport Ministry

Published January 23, 2026, 06:05
'Suffocating Situation' in Cities – AKEL Criticizes Transport Ministry

The traffic problem is a complex and multifaceted issue that is constantly worsening and burdens the quality of life of thousands of citizens on a daily basis, AKEL MP Valentinos Fakontis emphasized yesterday during the discussion of the issue at the House Transport, Communications and Works Committee. He added that the urban centers of cities have turned into areas of suffocating traffic congestion, drowning in cars, not only during peak hours but almost all day long. Furthermore, the highway, particularly in the capital and the city of Limassol, has essentially turned into an urban road network, resulting in drivers being trapped in traffic on a daily basis. Even minor accidents, both on the urban network and on the highways, are enough to paralyze traffic for hours, causing significant delays and inconvenience. Unfortunately, the MP points out, in recent years there have been no substantial and targeted actions from the state and the Ministry of Transport to provide real solutions to this acute problem. The state infrastructure remains stagnant for years. Important road projects are delayed or not completed. Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans remain inactive, while public transport, especially buses, continues to fail to inspire the necessary confidence in citizens. Chaotic and uncontrolled circulation of electric scooters In addition, the Committee discussed the implementation of the law concerning personal mobility devices, specifically electric scooters. The current situation, Fakontis said, is that the implementation of the legislation has serious weaknesses, resulting in chaotic and uncontrolled circulation of both scooters and electric bicycles within the road network. The lack of adequate control and enforcement of the legislation creates serious road safety issues, both for users of personal mobility devices and for other road users, pedestrians and drivers, further burdening the already congested traffic environment. A number of accidents involving scooters have been recorded recently, and if this situation continues, accidents will increase. The competent ministry is called upon to immediately and substantially implement the existing legislation. If it is deemed unworkable or insufficient, the Ministry must come to the Parliament with new, workable bills that provide real and sustainable solutions to the overall issue before we mourn victims.