The Qormi Local council has been awarded €52,000 from a government fund with which it will buy three electric bicycles for use by the public and install belisha beacons, more commonly known as Pelican lights, at six different locations.

Details about the projects were announced by Qormi Mayor Rosianne Cutajar and Justice Minister Owen Bonnici this morning.

Ms Cutajar said the electric bicycles will be parked at the Qormi Park and Ride. Users can park their cars in the morning and go to work using one of the more environmentally friendly vehicles. The project will be run with the private sector. If it is well received by the public, the number of bikes could increase. Ms Cutajar said the charges have not yet been established but the council intends to opt for low prices.

The Qormi mayor also announced that LED belisha beacons will be installed at six different locations to make pedestrian crossings safer. The LED lights will be installed at Triq San Bartolomew, Triq il-Wied, Triq il-Mithna. The first project will cost €27,000 and the second will cost €25,000.

Dr Bonnici said the government has recently launched a €1 million fund allowing local councils to apply for funding for major projects. More than 80 submissions have been received.