The Council of Ministers, during today's meeting, approved the proposal of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works for the development policy of creating public facilities, including sanitary facilities, and recharging stations in the motorway network of Cyprus. The proposal arose following requests from tourism bodies and other organized groups, with the aim of supporting motorway users.
The operation of such infrastructure is particularly widespread in most foreign countries, where distances are greater. In Cyprus, although the distances are relatively small, the proposal was evaluated positively, since it is expected that it will satisfy both the needs of local users of the network and visitors and tourists of the country.
Specifically, and in the context of a study prepared by the Department of Public Works, the distance (density) of the relevant infrastructure has been set at 30 km. After taking into account the main urban centres, as well as the savings by making use of existing public spaces and infrastructure (e.g. Bus Stations and Weighing Stations), these infrastructures will be created, in the first phase, at the following points:
1. Alambra(Alambra – Nicosia section)
2. Xylotympou (Alambra – Ayia Napa section)
3. Kofinou (Alambra – Limassol section)
4. Episkopi (Limassol – Paphos section, direction from Paphos)
5. Mandria (section Limassol – Paphos, direction from Limassol).
In addition, in a second phase and with the completion of the road construction works, public sanitary facilities, recharging stations and other facilities will operate on the Nicosia-Astromeritis-Evrychou and Paphos-Polis Chrysochous motorways.
These points will provide 24-hour services, with sanitary facilities for men, women and people with disabilities, small cafeteria/ kiosk infrastructure, as well as charging points for electric vehicles.
In a written statement, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Mr. Yiannis Karousos, states that "the creation of such infrastructure on the motorways of Cyprus will have multiple advantages and will serve the needs of users and vehicles moving on the motorways, thus increasing the general level of functionality of the public road network".
In addition, according to the Minister of Transport, "this infrastructure will contribute to the achievement of the individual policies promoted by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, such as road safety, the development and enhancement of the electrification of road transport, the support of public transport and more broadly the objectives of sustainable development". In conclusion, Mr. Karousos expressed the assessment that the operation of such infrastructure will contribute to other policies of the Government related to the sectors of tourism, economic development, as well as job creation.
Source: PIO