Nicosia City Council has approved allowing all vehicles to use Makarios Avenue on weekdays between 7am and 9pm by majority vote.
The decision impacts the stretch from Lycavitos Police Station to Solomou Square.
From 9pm until 7am on weekdays, and throughout weekends, only authorised vehicles will be permitted, including buses, taxis, and vehicles belonging to local residents and workers – continuing the current arrangement for weekend access.
The Council also approved left-turn movements onto Mnasiadou and Bouboulinas streets to provide access to large car parks serving the public.
Implementation of the decision requires approval from the Chief of Police.
The Council will also approach the EU, which co-funded the project for environmental and related reasons, to secure consent for the changes. Some had previously warned that modifying the existing arrangements could lead to recovery of EU-approved funds.
The decision passed with support from DISY, DIKO, EDEK and ELAM council groups, while AKEL, the Greens and the Mayor of Nicosia opposed the measure.
