AD calls for harsher regulations on reckless driving and over speeding

Presenting Simon Galea as AD’s candidate for St Paul’s Bay local council elections, the Green Party said that reckless driving in St Paul's Bay in particular, and in Malta in general, should be addressed.

“The number of accidents related to such dangerous driving should serve as alarm bell for proper enforcement,” AD chairperson Michael Briguglio said.

AD called for proper enforcement of regulations and for the introduction of new regulations to increase safety of pedestrians, drivers and passengers. “When Malta introduced stiff penalties and proper enforcement on seat belts in the front seats of cars, this was effective,” Briguglio said.

“Unfortunately, the authorities were not so persistent regards other safety measures, which also include the usage of seat belts on back seats.”

AD candidate for St Paul's Bay Simon Galea described reckless driving and over speeding as “the order of the day” in St Paul's Bay.

“Excessive driving along the Qawra and Bugibba coast road is rendering walks along the promenade dangerous. The number of accidents including fatal ones occurring recently should raise an alarm,” he said.

AD proposed for more speed cameras and sleeping policemen to be installed plus the better upkeep of existing zebra crossings, some of which are in a bad state of upkeep.

“Regular breathalyser tests should be conducted in order to address drinking and driving problems,” Galea said.

AD spokesperson for Transport Ralph Cassar said Transport Malta is completely absent when it comes to traffic management.

“Local councils have no support in implementing traffic calming measures around Malta and Gozo. As a way forward we are proposing a 30kph limit in all residential roads, in line with the recommendations of the European Parliament Koch Report,” Galea said.

AD said that residential roads are there to be shared - they do not belong only to motorists but also to pedestrians, children and adults on bicycles and the whole community.

“A motion for 30kph in Attard next Wednesday proposed by me looks set to be approved,” Galea said.

“The next step would be for Transport Malta to accept this proposal and help the council implement this policy decision. A 30kph residential road speed limit will send the clear message that everyone has a right to use residential roads in safety and regard for the needs of the whole community.”