UYGAR to Solve the TRNC's Traffic Problem

The two-day examination in the region by the team led by UYGAR Center Head Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ilıcalı, consisting of UYGAR Center Assistant Mehmet Çağrı Kızıltaş and traffic experts Edip Demir, Berkant Güzelküçük and Uğur Demir, together with the relevant TRNC officials, attracted great interest from the TRNC press and media. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ilıcalı and his team, who examined dozens of accident black spots (high-risk traffic points) on site on the Nicosia-Kyrenia, Nicosia-Güzelyurt and Nicosia-Famagusta roads, made diagnoses and produced a preliminary assessment, were accompanied during the preliminary survey by TRNC Highways Department Director Mustafa Demircioğlu, Police Traffic Director Osman Aydın, Traffic Accident Prevention Association President Mehmet Avcı, EMU Traffic Education and Research Center Head Assist. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kunt and Union of Chambers of Architects and Engineers Executive Board Traffic Commission Member İzzet Volkan.

 

ILICALI AND HIS TEAM CARRY OUT EXAMINATIONS

 

At a press conference hosted by Minister Hamza Ersan Saner at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on 17 April 2012, attended by a large number of journalists, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ilıcalı set out a technical road map in his statements. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ilıcalı stated that there are significant problems that have accumulated over time but that they are not insurmountable; some problems can be overcome in the short term through direct intervention and others through planned, coordinated work. Noting that, relative to population and number of vehicles, fatal traffic accidents in the TRNC are at least 7-8 times EU standards, Ilıcalı said there is a major and serious problem awaiting a solution and that political will is essential to solve it.

 

Stating that he saw this will, enthusiasm, interest and expertise in the person of the Minister of Public Works and Transport, who is very closely involved with the issue, Prof. Dr. Ilıcalı said all that remains is to form the necessary team and take action. He stated that, at the end of the examinations, they concluded that there are many shortcomings and errors in traffic due to the lack of fundamental solutions. Drawing attention to shortcomings in infrastructure and education, Ilıcalı said that a National Road Safety Plan must be prepared first.

 

Referring to his findings during the examinations, Professor Ilıcalı stated that the signaling system at the Prime Ministry junction, where there is heavy traffic at all hours of the day, should be re-optimized according to the number of vehicles. He also noted that junctions where different practices apply should be redesigned.

 

UYGAR SETS THE ROAD MAP FOR A SOLUTION

 

Thanking Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ilıcalı and his team, TRNC Minister of Public Works and Transport Hamza Ersan Saner stated that the aim is to prepare a traffic action plan and set a road map, that they favor further expanding the work they have started, and that they are open to all kinds of contributions. Saying that the road standard in the country is not perfect and that there is work to be done, Minister Saner stated that through the work they have started they have increased divided roads and road lighting. Minister Saner said, "What we have done in a short time is an indication of what we will do from now on."

 

Minister Saner said that, following examinations carried out in other countries where traffic drives on the left as part of the preparations for the Traffic Action Plan, they concluded that practices in the TRNC do not match those countries.

 

In his speech, Traffic Accident Prevention Association President Mehmet Avcı pointed out that the TRNC has suffered greatly from accidents and said it was gratifying that the ministry has shown will on safe traffic, of which infrastructure and roads are an important pillar.

 

Avcı stated that taking action and forming the right team to do something about black spots where fatal traffic accidents are concentrated is a step in the right direction. Mehmet Avcı said they expect the road standard to be raised and safe traffic to be ensured.

 

Following the press conference, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ilıcalı and his team met over dinner with TRNC Minister of Public Works and Transport Hamza Ersan Saner, Turkish Ambassador in Nicosia Halil İbrahim Akça and other officials, where they determined the road map to be followed. Accordingly, a draft protocol to be prepared by UYGAR will be sent to the ministry. Once finalized, the protocol will enter into force in the near future when it is signed on the island by our President Şenay Yalçın and the TRNC Minister of Public Works and Transport.