Filenews 23 May 2024 - by Angelos Nikolaou
The Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) for the National Strategic Land Transport Plan for 2040 is open for consultation (see here) https://eia.moa.gov.cy/public/sea/seaview.html?no=139 until 14/6/2024. An ambitious strategy that expects the share of public transport to increase from 3% today to 17% with a corresponding reduction in car use of 14%.
The main objective of the EIA is to identify the potential significant impacts on the environment and the reasonable alternatives of the National Land Transport Strategy (NSIS) for Cyprus, and to propose appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and compensate as fully as possible for any significant adverse effects on the environment from the implementation of the Plan.
This will be achieved through a range of policies designed to improve safety, accessibility, environmental sustainability and international connectivity. It also focuses on optimising the economic efficiency of passenger and freight transport. In addition, existing and planned infrastructure will be assessed for economic viability and alignment with national policy objectives.
In Cyprus, 22% of greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to transport. The FSP proposals aim to enhance the availability and efficiency of more sustainable modes of transport and to discourage car use. The proposal to increase electricity charging stations and strategically locate hydrogen stations by 2040 is a major move towards reducing exhaust emissions. The preferred scenario also encourages the indirect promotion of alternative fuels technologies through increases in fuel and circulation taxes. In addition, the expansion of public transport infrastructure beyond the initial proposals for Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) is aligned with a broader objective to promote more sustainable transport and reduce dependence on individual vehicles.
In particular, the preferred scenario demonstrates a strong commitment to electric and hydrogen vehicles, making a substantial contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Public transport is also significantly improved with dedicated bus lanes and increased service frequencies. In addition, the scenario proposes an assessment of existing SUMPs and a comprehensive update of road design standards, including strategies for the conservation of Natura 2000 sites when crossed by transport infrastructure.
The relevant results for the transport share of the Transport Model show that car use is expected to decrease by 13.45%, reaching 83.43%, by 2040. The shift to more sustainable public transport is expected to increase by 13.45%, reaching 16.57% of the total share of transport. The distance travelled by the vehicle, especially personal conventional vehicles, can also affect CO2 emissions and is influenced by the efficiency of the transport network and infrastructure, as well as by the characteristics of the transport infrastructure.
Various CSP proposals work in synergy to support the reduction of vehicle travel, from improving public transport to improved accessibility and functionality. In addition, the preferred scenario also proposes the creation of Park & Ride facilities, with the aim of creating conditions to motivate passengers going to major cities to leave their vehicles in these parking facilities and travel to their final destination by public transport or car pooling. This measure aims to reduce car travel, reduce traffic congestion in central cities and subsequently reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and improve safety conditions. The implementation of logistics hubs and the creation of a common digital platform for freight companies will also limit the number of journeys by heavy goods vehicles. In addition, the proposed smart transport measures and improvements to the road network will optimise traffic flow, reduce congestion and travel distances.
Proposed measures for sustainable transport
A proposal for urban tolls and low emission zones in the cities of Nicosia, Larnaka and Limassol limiting car traffic in city centres and reducing air pollution is included in the preferred scenario with the aim of ensuring economic measures to promote sustainable means of transport. The proposal refers to charging evaluation plans for specific infrastructure (e.g. motorways) or areas (e.g. urban centres).
In addition to the proposed infrastructure measures, the policies and measures proposed aim to collectively reduce car use while promoting sustainable modes of transport, such as public transport. For example, incentives to encourage active mobility, the deployment of recharging infrastructure for electric and alternative fuel vehicles, and the evaluation of charging schemes such as tolls and low emission zones will potentially lead to a further change in the share of private vehicles. These, together with the implementation of economic incentives, regulations and measures to improve public transport, will promote the use of public transport and help transition from existing means of transport for heavy cars to alternative, more sustainable transport options. In conclusion, this holistic approach seeks to move from the dominant reliance on private cars to more sustainable alternatives, with the aim of reducing wear and tear on existing infrastructure and then reducing maintenance frequency.
The set of measures proposed by the ESPL is expected to enhance employment opportunities and attract more entrepreneurial activity. Incentives with a specific amount of subsidy per year to attract more professional drivers will result in new job creation.
In addition, the shift to sustainable modes of transport (walking and cycling) can be achieved by creating economic incentives to encourage active mobility. This measure will offer incentives to two groups: a) Active companies related to mobility and b) residents. This will be supported by a specific measure, which refers to the further assessment of financial incentives and taxes for private vehicles (changes in road tax and fuel tax regime).
Police-controlled traffic monitoring systems may also reduce the number of fatalities and daily road accidents. Such technologies aim to prevent accidents, improve law enforcement and respond effectively to emergencies. In addition, upgrading the National Traffic Control Centre (NTCC), as proposed, plays a critical role in modern transport management by leveraging data-driven technology and knowledge to improve the efficiency, safety and sustainability of transport systems.
