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Larnaca Takes First Step Towards Smart City Transformation

By the end of spring, Larnaca aims to implement a smart parking system as part of its broader initiative to become a smart city. This marks the first step in the “Larnaca Becomes a Smart City” program, which will also include upgrades to street lighting and waste management systems.

Smart Parking System Set To Launch

The tenders for the smart parking system are expected to be awarded in early March, with installation to begin in municipal parking lots in Mackenzie and the city center. Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras has stated that the goal is to have the system in place before the start of the tourist season, with an estimated budget of €2 million.

How It Works

The system will allow both residents and visitors to benefit from more efficient parking. Through an electronic application, users will be able to view available parking spaces and monitor average parking times during peak hours. The sensors, which will be installed in the parking areas, will send data wirelessly to the city’s Smart City platform. Citizens can also make electronic payments through their mobile phones.

Inclusive Features

The system will support a range of special user categories, such as people with disabilities, permanent residents, and delivery vehicles. It will also be integrated with controlled on-street parking areas, including those with electric vehicle charging stations.

Seamless Integration With Other Parking Systems

The plan includes integrating this smart parking system with both public and private parking systems, offering drivers a comprehensive view of all available parking options across the city.

This initiative is a major step toward transforming Larnaca into a modern, tech-savvy city that meets the needs of its residents and visitors while also contributing to a sustainable future.

UnitedHealth Removes DEI Mentions From Website Amid Growing Shift In Corporate Policies

UnitedHealth Group has significantly reduced its public focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by removing related content from its website. 

The reasons for these changes remain unclear, and it’s uncertain whether the removal signals a shift in the company’s policies or simply a change in the language used. A UnitedHealth spokesperson, Tyler Mason, commented that the company continues to support a collaborative environment and mutual respect, which remain integral to its culture and mission to expand access to healthcare services.

The move coincides with a broader trend among major corporations, especially in the tech industry, retreating from DEI programs. This shift is partly in response to executive orders from the Trump administration targeting DEI initiatives in companies receiving federal funding. Some tech giants, including Google and OpenAI, have already scrubbed DEI-related content from their sites.

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