New parking policy proposes alternatives to residential parking zones

The outcome of the discussions with Arriva will be known in the coming weeks, transport minister Joe Mizzi said today.

Mizzi said his aim was to have an efficient public transport system, when asked whether Arriva had a future in the country.

The company has reported that it has been losing thousands of euros since the removal of bendy buses, and that union actions have also created uncertainty over its operations.

“The new routes have been given to Arriva, the company is seeing to them, and the public will know with the changes within weeks,” Mizzi said.

Mizzi, who was addressing a press conference related to budget 2014, also announced that under new nationwide parking policy that is being prepared, residential parking zones might not be included.

“The analysis so far has shown that residential parking zones should not be done. But the parking policy is a comprehensive one that will cater to all localities and zones, both commercial and residential.”

Mizzi however would not give any details on the alternatives being proposed to residential parking zones.

Mizzi said studies had been commissioned for the creation of a national transport strategy that will identity the implementation of a transport policy for the next 10 years.

The road safety and traffic management unit in Transport Malta has also carried out an analysis on those traffic areas where there is the most congestion, to create a short-term plan that addresses traffic during peak hours in Ghajn Dwieli road, Rahal Gdid, Sir Paul Boffa road, the MIA roundabout, the Naxxar Road roundabout between Birkirkara and Lija, the traffic lights junction on Mdina Road, the Manuel Dimech roundabout in Qormi, Tal Balal road in San Gwann, and Paceville.

New measures will include new designs for traffic flow, new signals, and changes in the times of operation of traffic lights.

Priority is also expected to be given to a Kappara flyover, that has been planned since 1996 but never materialised, and an underpass on 13 December road in Marsa.