Nicosia, Cyprus. Nicosia mayor Charalambos Prountzos said he supports creating a vehicle crossing point at Ayios Hilarionos in the northeastern suburb of Kaimakli. He said a proposal was drafted after a year of talks with northern Nicosia mayor Mehmet Harmanji and Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelaou.
Proposal and feasibility
Prountzos said the proposal was prepared to allow the passage of vehicles. He cited “obstacles and difficulties” and said that, while opening the long-discussed crossing point in Mia Milia in the eastern suburb of north Nicosia would be easier, Kaimakli had been deemed the most feasible alternative.
Long-term crossing plans
He said the possible Kaimakli crossing point does not set aside the municipality’s long-term plans to open Mia Milia along with crossing points in Athienou-Pyroi-Aglandjia, with the option of creating alternative exits.
Traffic congestion and Schengen concerns
Prountzos pointed to persistent congestion at Nicosia’s only central vehicle crossing point in Ayios Dhometios, where three of seven checkpoints are currently operational. He said potential accession by the Republic to the EU Schengen area could worsen the situation by requiring stricter vehicle-by-vehicle checks to ensure full compliance.
Pressure on residents and current crossings
Prountzos said residents face severe pressure that could be alleviated by opening a crossing in Kaimakli. There are currently nine official crossing points connecting both sides of the island, and all can be crossed by vehicles except Ledra Palace and Ledra Street, which allow pedestrians only.
What impact do you think a new vehicle crossing point in Kaimakli would have on congestion in Nicosia?