New scheme set to improve transport
A GOVERNMENT scheme has been launched to improve road safety and public transport in the TRNC, with Transport and Public Works Minister Tolga Atakan declaring: “We have to change as people and as the state.”
Mr Atakan said a specialist team had been established to address the two inter-connected issues of road safety and public transport.
“The target must not simply be to create more roads,” he said. “In addition to efforts for the prosperity of the people, saving lives and prevention of serious injuries must be the priority.”
Highlighting a lack of public transport for students and tourists, he said: “People visiting our country are hitchhiking, which is a disgrace . . .
“We began to work on public transport from square one and although we cannot deal with it for the entire country, the ministry has been working with the municipalities of Gazimağusa, Lefkoşa and Girne. The results will be seen after projects in pilot areas, if not this year, then next.”
The minister, speaking at a press conference on Monday, was accompanied by Taner Aksu a professional traffic and transport engineer.
“It is high time that a traffic security and transport system was established,” said Mr Atakan. Referring to the Vision Zero traffic safety and transportation system adopted by the Swedish Parliament in 1997 — a strategy to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries — and since adopted in other countries, he said the TRNC was “far from being ready” and a “very serious and hard” preparatory period was needed.
He said this would begin with formation of a Traffic Office, followed by a Traffic and Tr ansportation Services Commission, and “training will be the basic element of change”.
That change would be driven by a team of “well-trained, experienced researchers, engineers and architects” led by US-experienced Mr Aksu, and a range of short-, medium- and long-term projects would be implemented.
“A standard will be set for speed cameras which will no longer be used like traps and money-earning machines. [Allowing] billboards on central reservations and on roadsides was wrong and should be discontinued, especially billboards for alcoholic drinks.” Mr Atakan said “dangerous junctions”, including on the Lefkoşa-Gazimağusa and Lefkoşa-Güzelyurt roads, would be improved. “Necessary steps will also be taken for proper functioning of street lights, some of which are not working properly and new traffic lights w ill be integrated . . . to give a level of efficiency equal to those in developed countries.”
Stressing that it was important to determine what was causing crashes and fatal accidents in order to prevent their repetition, he said: “It’s time we looked beyond losing control of the wheel. There is a need to take an in-depth look at factors like the driver, the vehicle and road conditions . . .
“The Highway Department is being improved to enable it to keep up with the changes and with the increase of traffic in the country. Traffic education at all levels of schools, which has been continuing for some time, will be maintained. In addition, activities are planned to improve general public awareness about traffic safety.”
Mr Atakan said priority would be given to studying and, if necessary, updating EU projects which were completed eight years ago but never implemented — including better vehicle inspections, driving lessons and licensing, insurance and police controls.
“We plan to work on the necessary Bills for the implementation of these changes. As progress is achieved, the public will be kept informed.”