Limassol’s Anexartisias transitioning to a one-way street

The Municipal Council has approved a radical plan to turn popular Anexartisias Street in Limassol into a one-way street in an effort to solve increasing traffic issues. This move is a temporary solution that will eventually lead to pedestrianisation, a difficult objective considering Cyprus's current state of urban development.

Vehicles leaving Pentadromos will now be routed onto Anexartisias Street, starting towards the sea. After a six-month trial period, the direction of traffic will be reversed. The purpose of this trial phase is to assess each traffic flow direction's practicality, which will eventually guide the final layout of the the road.

Despite ongoing parking issues, Limassol's city centre has long been a focus for business and recreation, drawing lots of people. But new geopolitical developments have created additional challenges for retail traffic. However, Anexartisias Street is ready for growth, awaiting a surge of visitors and new establishments.

Municipal councillor Kristis Demetriou, a supporter of downtown merchants, brings focus on the difficulties involved in turning Anexartisias Street into a pedestrian-only zone. Comparing these projects to those on Ayios Andreou, Ledras, Onasagorou, and Makarios Avenue, Demetriou points out how important it is to have enough infrastructure, especially parking facilities, in order to maintain commercial viability.

He highlights how important public transportation is to reducing dependency on cars, a move that hasn't yet reached the levels seen in other parts of Europe. In order to balance the interests of retailers and urban planners, the street transformation is being done in phases.

Demetriou criticises competing plans for brand-new malls, pointing out inconsistencies in resolving traffic issues and promoting business expansion. He supports a comprehensive plan for urban development that preserves Limassol's historic beauty while meeting modern needs.

In addition, he stresses how important it is to have enough parking spaces available to accommodate the variety of activities that Limassol's city centre offers, including as shopping, entertainment, and cultural events. He warns that the city runs the danger of limiting its own capacity for growth in the absence of enough parking infrastructure.

Expressing worries about declining numbers of tourists and local purchasing power, Demetriou states the economic difficulties facing downtown commerce. Nevertheless, he is optimistic about Anexartisias Street's potential to overcome challenges, encouraged by upcoming developments to its retail environment.

The development of Anexartisias Street represents an overall effort to find a balance between history and modernity as Limassol faces these urban issues.