Malta 'still lacks' traffic management

Addressing a press conference in Attard this morning, Alternattiva Demokratika said despite the number of accidents and traffic gridlock in Malta, government has failed to seriously implement a plan that addressed traffic management.

"Traffic management in Malta still leaves much to be desired. The number of accidents, sometimes with tragic consequences, and traffic gridlocks, are clear examples of this," AD's chairperson Michael Briguglio said.

AD also reconfirmed Ralph Cassar as its candidate for the local councils election. Cassar is currently an AD local councillor in Attard.

"The election of AD candidates in the coming elections will ensure that councils will have a voice that gives priority to the rights of pedestrians and residents," Briguglio said.

"In particular, we are for speed limits to ensure safety, proper planning and enforcement to avoid abusive parking and reckless driving, and professional work for roads and pavements to reduce potholes and lack of accessibility."

He added accessibility required proper project management to ensure that contractors do not carry out shoddy work.

Briguglio added Cassar has been crucial for the locality to implement traffic-calming measures and increase safety on streets.

"The need for proper project management is still lacking, and some councillors haven't understood the need to appoint contract managers for contracts awarded by local councils," Cassar said.

On traffic Cassar said he has pushed for a low speed limit in residential streets, in line with hundreds of towns and villages in Europe.

Transport Malta has been informed of the council's decision. However, the Attard local council is awaiting help and expertise from Transport Malta to implement the decision.

"A government parliamentary assistant has called me to express his support for this policy initiative," Cassar said, adding he hoped this MP would help push TM to finalise its decision.

"It is also important to invest further in proper, accessible and wider pavements to give priority to pedestrians, coupled with initiatives to encourage cycling," he said.