Transport Malta leaves Kappara committee ‘hanging’

Updated with TM reply

Transport Malta has for months ignored requests put forward by the Kappara Administrative Committee (KAK), the group has complained.

In a statement, KAK said it was condemning Transport Malta's actions which "for months has refused to reply to KAK's requests and failed to take action on two requests" put forward by the same committee.

The issue dates back to January and May of last year and concern requests for a one-way road and a zebra crossing.

In January 2012, KAK told Transport Malta and the Kappara residents had requested for Triq il-Gardell to become one-way. The residents argued the street was too narrow for two-directional traffic.

Despite several meetings with Transport Malta officials and two public consultation meetings were held, the transport authority has not yet replied.

"We at least expect and deserve a reply," KAK said.

 The second issued concerns a zebra crossing in Triq tas-Sliema, which Transport Malta itself did but failed to install lights. KAK noted that when the committee had done a zebra crossing in a separate road, TM had insisted for it to be accompanied by lighting.

"Despite being the correct thing to do, TM has now failed to adhere to its own orders. Repeated reminders and meetings with the authority failed to yield any results despite KAK informing TM that any traffic incident would be TM's responsibility," the committee said.

The committee urged Transport Malta to take action and install the lights in Triq tas-Sliema.

Transport Malta replies

"Transport Malta confirms that the San Gwann Local Council had submitted a request for Triq Gardell to become one-way. This request was assessed by Transport Malta and public consultation meetings were carried out with the local council and with residents whereby the traffic assessment of the authority was explained. Subsequently, a petition was submitted by the residents of Kappara where a number of issues were raised. These issues are now being monitored and the assessment will be updated as necessary to ensure that all aspects of this matter would have been examined and taken into consideration before any conclusions are drawn up.

"With regards to the belishia lights at Triq tas-Sliema, Transport Malta is informed that these are currently awaiting energizing by Enemalta Corporation."