The Minister of Transport, Alexis Vafeadis, spoke about the traffic problem, which afflicts thousands of citizens every day.
Asked what the plan is to solve or at least reduce the problem, he replied that "it is not only the suffering of the citizens but also the financial burden and the issue of pollutants". Referring to the components of the problem, he noted that "we are buying cars at a faster rate than while we build roads. We want to set it to a level where there is no inconvenience. If we can get people to take the bus, then we reduce pollution and inconvenience. But we are not unaware that we have to complete the road system. However, we want to make the bus a better option in terms of travel time and cost.
In relation to the smart lights at the Agia Phyla roundabout, he noted that these lights have reduced traffic by 10% .
Referring to the announcements to create a tram, he stated that it is "on the table and if it proves to be economically viable, we will go ahead with it". He added that the alternative is the 150-passenger modular buses, which can replace the tram at a much lower price, and the Government is in contact with the contracting companies to see when these changes can be made.
To a question about the curves, he emphasized that "there is the intention to replace them with the light signaling systems. Curbs have saved lives, especially in places like schools. In these areas we will focus to remove bulges. We won't remove everything from day one. We will subsidize communities to remove them to reduce pollutants. Where a hump is removed, a camera will be inserted.
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