Transport Minister Joe Mizzi today launched the National Road Safety Strategy for public consultation.

Mr Mizzi said that, from a statistical point of view, Malta has a very good accident fatality record per capita but much more can be done. Statistics show that the average number of injuries and fatal accidents for 2008-2010 was 1,106 but that figure rose to 1,586 in 2011-2013. There is a higher incidence if accidents during weekends. Birkirkara, Qormi and Marsa are the most common localities for traffic accidents.

“The National Road Safety Strategy document which is being launched today sets out a 10 year direction for a safer land transport system and focuses on the main areas where evidently, a sustained and coordinated effort leads to considerable gains. It has the necessary tools to achieve the desired road safety benefits for all classes of road users and recognizes that policy decisions and actions will impact the effectiveness of the road safety outcomes,” said Mr Mizzi.

The policy sets out to investigate traffic accident statistics and data, make roads safer through engineering, improve enforcement, introduce safer vehicles and educate drivers.

Mr Mizzi said that the government had immediately embarked to carry out a number of projects which had been abandoned by previous administrations, including the Mriehel Bypass footbridge, the Addolorata junction project and the Coast Road widening project. Works on the latter started a few days ago.

 

The ‘best’ public transport operator

In the meantime Mr Mizzi said that one of the key solutions for safer roads is to reduce the number of private cars and increase public transport passengers. “That is why my Government is focused on identifying the best public transport operator. Though I will not promise a revolution, my Government is determined to identify the best operator who will ultimately provide a sustainable and efficient bus service. That is what we promised and that is what we are committed to deliver.”