A big traffic problem at an important school area in Nicosia was discussed by politicians. Every day, over 1,200 students get stuck in bad traffic jams. The problem is at a place where three schools share one road: Acropolis Gymnasium, The English School, and its Junior School. The situation is now very serious for safety. Officials say that if there was an emergency, an ambulance or fire truck could not get to the schools easily.
The main issue is that all three schools use the same entrance at the same time in the morning and afternoon. A politician, Chryssis Pantelides, asked an important question: "What would happen if an ambulance or fire engine needed to reach the site?" Cars often cannot move for several minutes at the busy junction near the Agrotis bookshop.
This traffic problem is not new. The Transport Ministry says they have suggested solutions three times, but nothing has happened. One reason is problems with money and bureaucracy. For example, the local area once could not find €10,000 for an important land survey. Also, plans from six years ago to make the junction bigger have not been done.
Now, the Nicosia School Board says it will pay for the land survey and finish it in about two months. They also have new ideas for 2024, like a pedestrian bridge and more parking. At the same time, The English School is thinking about changing its school start times to help with the traffic.
Politicians want an update on progress by mid-January. A bigger, permanent solution for the roads is still far away. For now, people hope the new survey and a possible new school timetable will help. Everyone is waiting for a solution to this long-standing problem.