Redesigning the seafront area of Paphos

Abstract

A traffic study for the seafront area of Paphos was carried out in 2009. The most important measure included in that study was the partial and seasonal pedestrianization of the coastal avenue, which was implemented a few years later. However, the constant increase of the city tourism over the last years, has generated new conditions in the area, imposing an “update” of the proposals made in the context of the 2009 study. In fact, the area is characterized by traffic congestion and environmental deterioration, illegal parking, problems in pedestrian movement etc. In this paper, an assessment of the present situation is made, leading, among other interventions, to the proposal for a full and permanent pedestrianization of the coastal avenue. The existing traffic conditions in the seafront are examined on the basis of the results of traffic volume measurements conducted in four crucial intersections in the area, during morning and evening peak hours, in winter and summer. Moreover, the residents’, shop owners’ and tourists’ opinion concerning traffic and environmental conditions, problems and corresponding needs, as well as the possibility of a full and permanent pedestrianization of the seafront are taken into consideration, through a detailed questionnaire survey. Finally, other measures and policies complementary to the pedestrianization are proposed, in order to complete the original redesign of the seafront area of Paphos.