Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett announced a number of new measures that will come into effect during the month of September, a busy month with the opening of schools.
A new service that will be provided from 28th September is the Park & Ride from Ta’ Qali, and will continue to Rabat, Mosta, Naxxar, Mater Dei and the University of Malta.
This is another measure implemented in the Reshaping our Mobility plan and joins a chain with another existing park & ride service in Paola which began operating in July of this year from the car park opposite the Addolorata cemetery with the aim of reducing congestion and pollution in village centres as much as possible while alleviating the problem of parking in commercial and urban areas.
In addition, enforcement will also be increased at strategic points across the country, so that there is more discipline and respect on our roads.
Other measures that will come into effect this month are:
- A specific Traffic Management Plan for the opening of schools which will come into effect gradually between the 15th and 19th of September.
- More than 80 enforcement officers distributed in 33 localities across Malta and Gozo, with an emphasis on peak hours which are between 06:30 and 09:30 in the morning, and between 15:30 and 18:30 in the afternoon.
- Extension of the free Tow Truck service that assists stationary vehicles or minor accident cases.
- A thorough evaluation of existing and new permits related to road works in order to reduce the impact on traffic flow.
- Between 06:00 and 09:30 in the morning from Monday to Friday, permits will not be issued for road works near schools or in busy areas.
- All this is being done in close collaboration with Local Councils, in order to create an effective plan at a regional and local level.
Minister Bonett emphasised the key role that young people and students have in bringing about a change in the culture of how we travel. “This age group has the potential to be an example for how we should use alternative means of transport to the traditional ones and I encourage them to be the change we want to see,” stressed Minister Bonett. He announced that enforcement would be increased at strategic points across the country, to ensure more discipline and, above all, respect for traffic rules to avoid accidents that lead to unnecessary congestion. He concluded by saying that the main aim of these measures is to minimise the impact on the routine of Maltese and Gozitan families, while improving road safety and traffic flow.
Chief Executive Kurt Farrugia stressed, “Although this year’s summer was a busy one with a number of important events, thanks to the traffic management plan and the strong presence of enforcement we managed to limit congestion and maintain a good flow on our roads. This could only be done thanks to the commitment and collaboration of all parties involved. As we return to the scholastic routine, we remain determined to be of service and to ensure a better experience for drivers and the public.”
At the end of the press conference, a detailed presentation of the measures was made to the media present.
Photo: DOI/MTIP
