Filenews 28 October 2024
The measure banning the movement of vehicles of defined categories that run on conventional fuels and do not meet carbon dioxide emission limits "will certainly not be implemented until a series of measures are implemented that will promote low- and zero-emission vehicles, improve public passenger transport and upgrade infrastructure for safe use by pedestrians and cyclists", the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works said in a statement.
In order to meet Cyprus' obligations under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, within the next year it is preferable to implement the designation of a road lane within which vehicles of defined categories will not be allowed to move and it is added that this measure is already applied to bus lanes in Nicosia and there is discussion to allow the movement of purely electric and/or low-emission vehicles.
It will also require the inclusion in advertisements for the purchase or use of conventionally fuelled vehicles of content that promotes alternative modes of transport, including walking, cycling and the use of public passenger transport.
"As a Government we will continue to present measures, policies and plans that promote the green transition. The aim is to create the right conditions to use the legislative tool with maximum success, both in terms of environmental objectives and in the smooth transition of society and citizens to more environmentally friendly means of transport," the Ministry of Transport said in its announcement.
He adds that "the reduction of pollutants continues to remain high on our priorities, as Cyprus has made commitments to the European Union, but mainly because the protection of our health and our quality of life is of fundamental importance."
Referring to recent publications and posts regarding the Determination of Special Measures for the Reduction of Air Pollutants and Greenhouse Gases from Road Transport Law of 2023 (Law 117(I)/2023), the Ministry of Transport notes that the law was submitted by the previous Government that responded to the requirements of the Recovery and Resilience Plan. Upon assuming the government in March 2023, the Law was forwarded to the Transportation Committee of the House of Representatives, where in more than 10 meetings its provisions were discussed with all stakeholders, it added.
In November 2023, it was passed into law by 38 votes in favour and 3 against, satisfying Cyprus' obligation for the Recovery and Resilience Plan to be voted on in 2023.
"The Minister of Transport, Communications and Works issues a decree on the recommendation of a technical committee that consults the competent local authorities. The local community is involved in the decision-making process with the ultimate goal of benefiting from such arrangements that will upgrade the quality of life," the statement added.
It is also clarified that this legislation acts as an additional tool that will encourage society, when conditions allow, to move towards a cleaner and pollutant-free environment.
He adds that cleaner air is not only a necessary policy, but a commitment to the well-being of future generations and the participation of citizens in this process, through the competent local authorities, is a given and absolutely necessary.
"The active participation and initiatives of society are a central objective of the Nikos Christodoulides government, in order to build a sustainable future," it said.
CNA
