To tackle traffic congestion and improve urban development, the municipalities of Limassol, Amathus, and Polemidia have teamed up on a collaborative spatial planning initiative, aimed at enhancing the city’s organisation while preserving the environment.
The Limassol Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Evel) has shared comments by Amathus mayor Kyriakos Xydias, who said that “the initiative was driven by rising concerns over traffic and the need for coordinated transport policies”.
“Traffic can’t be tackled in isolation. It must be part of a wider urban planning strategy, as future developments could make current solutions obsolete,” he explained.
The project will see cooperation with the University of Cyprus, Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), and Frederick University, which have already submitted proposals.
The first step will be to assess the current traffic situation and identify the best practices to address congestion, alongside spatial planning across the three municipalities.
Xydias pointed to the redevelopment of Ayios Athanasios Avenue as an example, emphasising the importance of factoring in future developments.
“Without considering future projects like two new shopping centres planned for the area in the next three years, current solutions could become ineffective,” he warned.
He also noted the rapid development north of the Limassol bypass, which now affects 40 per cent of the city’s population. “Either we don’t plan, or when we do, we fail to consider all factors,” he added.
The mayor stressed the need for a comprehensive, expert-driven approach, with clear deliverables.
The first phase will involve gathering data, consulting with relevant agencies, and building a foundation based on best practices and international experience.
The second phase will focus on designing infrastructure to ease traffic congestion, with public consultations to ensure community input.
“We must listen to citizens’ experiences to create a two-way dialogue before finalising projects,” he said.
The third phase will outline a long-term vision for the whole of Limassol, with proposals aimed at improving traffic flow and urban development.
“For instance, relocating businesses and services north of the motorway could reduce congestion for residents in the northern areas,” Xydias suggested.
Further deliverables will include market research, land use and commuting demand analysis, forecasting future mobility needs, and creating a unified mapping system.
The project will also explore technological opportunities and address potential emergency issues.
The final phase will focus on implementation, supporting municipalities in tackling emerging challenges, raising public awareness, and aligning the project with European funding programmes.
The municipality of Amathus has already allocated the required budget, with costs shared between the three municipalities based on population and development potential.
