Naxxar residents have complained that a traffic system implemented by the Local Council some 18 months ago has turned the area into "an accident waiting to happen."

The residents' complaints started coming in after the council decided to change the traffic flow to exit into a heavily congested main road.

Two residents of Luqa Briffa Street, which is two blocks away from a popular supermarket, complained that the street they live in and the one next to it have both been turned into one-way streets, exiting into a busy main road. They are claiming that both exits are dangerous.

"Luqa Briffa Street exits into a blind corner because the main road - St Paul's Street - is curved. The other option to exit into the main road is to take the next street down the block - Buzjett Street - but that could be even more dangerous because of double-parked trucks."

The resident complained that drivers' views are restricted by heavy trucks unloading goods at the GS supermarket. "These vehicles are parked on both sides of the corner for several hours during the day and Local Wardens never seem to say anything," he said.

Another man who lives in Luqa Briffa Street told this newspaper that residents want to see the traffic system changed to the way it was. "Luqa Briffa treet should serve as an entry point from the main road, and not as an exit point. At least, if this cannot be done, the council should put a stop to the double parking problem at the other exit once and for all."

One of the men also complained that, despite signs indicating a one-way road, cars vans and trucks frequently drive into Luqa Briffa Street from the wrong side, causing traffic jams. The man provided photo and video evidence of such incidents.

Apart from the dangers posed by the blind corner and double-parked cars, residents are also complaining about the inconvenience caused by the two one-way roads, which force them to drive around two blocks to reach their homes. "We are forced to take a longer route home, through Naxxar's Parish Street, often getting caught up in traffic heading towards the town centre. That is not to mention the inconvenience during the festa week, when Parish Street is closed to traffic."

 

Complaints have fallen on deaf ears

 

The residents say their complaints have fallen on deaf ears. "We have complained repeatedly to the Local Council and highlighted the inconveniences and dangers posed by this traffic arrangement but our complaints have fallen on deaf ears. We suspect that the council is refusing to budge in order to please some local businesses in the area. The current arrangements suit them perfectly but they are a daily nightmare for us."

The residents had gathered a 80-signature petition when the local council initially came out with the proposal to change the traffic flow but were told by the council that it would not be accepted. "The council is also not opening or logging complaints about this. They only opened a complaint file after I spent fifteen minutes arguing with them on the phone and threatened to go to the newspapers if they did not."

The residents also accused the council of refusing to tackle the double-parking problem. "They told us that it should not happen but that at the same time deliveries have to be done and the area cannot be patrolled 24/7." 

Attempts to reach Transport Minister Joe Mizzi and Transport Malta - to whom they sent pictures and videos - also proved fruitless. "Transport Malta told us that there are no visible dangers and directed us back to the Local Council."

They also referred to the uproar caused when the Local Council and TM had introduced timed parking in St Paul's Street. The scheme was eventually scrapped.

 

'No accidents reported so far' - Council

In reaction to questions sent by this paper, Naxxar Local Council Executive Secretary Paul Gatt played down the residents' complaints. "Residents of Luqa Briffa Street have been complaining that this is an accident waiting to happen from the very start; a year and a half ago. Thankfully there were no accidents as a result of the traffic measures and this goes to prove that there is no danger at all."

The council also insisted that it had listened to, evaluated and considered every single complaint. "The council has listened to residents and more. In the end, the council has a right to take decisions in the best interest of the general public. We consulted fully with Transport Malta, which also confirmed that the system is working fine and there are no dangers. We have also communicated in writing with the resident who has continually complained about dangers."

Referring to the petition, the council said it had made it clear from the start that it would not accept any. It had, however, "facilitated the system" by receiving emails and letters and registering complaints. "From past experience the council is convinced that petitions like this one do not really reflect the wishes of residents. Many of those who sign tell us that they took part not because they agree with the petition but because they felt obliged to sign when faced by the person gathering the signatures."

The Naxxar Local Council also categorically denied not changing the traffic system to please business owners. "We also deny that the council has been pressured by any establishment owners to keep things the way they are. The truth is that traffic flow is much better than before. The fact that only one person is complaining goes to prove that the system is indeed working well."

 

Supermarket says it has addressed the problem

When contacted by this paper, GS Managing Director Ray Mintoff said the company was doing the best it could to minimise inconvenience. "After listening to complaints we have told our suppliers to send smaller trucks that are able to unload inside our loading bay. Whenever trucks park illegally we just refuse the delivery and send them back." He conceded, however, that there will always be one-off cases and no one can keep watch over the area at all times.

Mr Mintoff said the problem had been drastically reduced, even after the company started scheduling deliveries at different times to avoid having too many vehicles in place at the same time, but a "perfect" system is almost impossible to implement.