Cyprus begins dismantling outdated “speed bumps”

The Ministry of Transport of Cyprus has launched a large-scale campaign to dismantle outdated road humps that no longer meet modern safety standards. According to Minister Alexis Vafeadis, this concerns around 2,500 “speed bumps” installed without proper regulation or in areas where they are no longer needed.

Each element requires full removal, road surface restoration, and the application of new markings. The cost of removing one bump is estimated at 1,500–2,000 euros, with the total program budget possibly reaching around 5 million euros.

The main reasons for starting the campaign include the deterioration of some structures, non-compliance with EU technical standards (maximum height — 7 cm), and drivers’ complaints about vehicle damage and increased fuel consumption. Some installations also hinder emergency vehicles and increase accident risks on urban roads.

According to Minister Vafeadis, priority for dismantling will be given to “speed bumps” located outside school, hospital, and pedestrian crossing zones, where they remain necessary. They will be replaced with more modern solutions: safety islands, raised pedestrian crossings, and road-narrowing systems that naturally slow traffic.

The process, however, is progressing slowly. According to the Ministry, only a few dozen of the first hundred planned humps have been removed so far. The delays are due to coordination with municipalities and limited budgetary resources.

Public opinion on the reform is divided. Many drivers welcome the initiative, noting that old humps often caused more harm than good. However, some residents and local authorities believe that instead of dismantling, speed control should be strengthened — for example, through enforcement cameras.

The reform is part of a broader plan to modernize Cyprus’s road infrastructure. Authorities aim to improve comfort and traffic safety by gradually replacing outdated and inefficient regulation measures with modern standards that meet European Union requirements.