Malta Transport Authority chief executive officer Mario Falzon, even though admitting that 30kph was too slow for such a main road, said that the speed limit was required in order to perform these tests.

Mr Falzon was contacted after this newspaper received several complaints

from motorists that the speed limit was

“ridiculous”.

He said the speed limit was a temporary measure since French experts were in Malta to conduct these tests. He quickly pointed out that it is in no way being suggested that the bridges are in danger of collapse. But he said these tests were needed to gauge the effect of speeding on the concrete pillars supporting the bridges.

The speed limit decreases gradually – from 60kph on leaving the traffic-lights roundabout, to 40kph half-way up to 30kph just before entering the tunnel. The speed limits follow more or less the same pattern when driving in the opposite direction.

Mr Falzon said the speed limit was only a temporary measure but he did not know for how long the signs would be in force. He said the speed cameras were set up there to ensure that the tests are carried out professionally.

Asked whether the speed limits were being observed, Mr Falzon replied in the affirmative, adding that the authority expected the cooperation of motorists. “Traffic is slowing down but not as much as we want it to,” he said.

Mr Falzon said the authority will continue stressing on the public that slow drivers should drive on the inner (left) lane in order to allow faster vehicles to overtake. Failure to follow such a simple principle leads to road rage and traffic accidents.

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