Alternattiva Demokratika today said that the traffic problem needs to be addressed through the introduction of Park and Ride schemes and an efficient public transport system, not by changing school hours.

During a press conference in Marsa,  AD spokespersons Mario Mallia said that the idea that the idea of starting schools earlier to reduce traffic is not viable. “School children are already arriving at school very early. One reason is the limited number of minibus licences, with minibus operators cramming as many voyages as possible in the early hours of the morning before schools open,” he said.

Spokesperson Ralph Cassar said that no government has so far tackled the transport issue in a holistic manner. “Other short sighted decisions which exacerbated the problem are the discontinuation of bus stations in localities, the negative attitude towards alternative means of transport such as pedelecs and the lack of enforcement on speeding in our roads, which scare people like bicycle commuters and small motorcycles off the roads,” he said.

AD also put forward a number of proposals to address the traffic issue. These include increasing the efficiency of public transport through more bus routes during rush hours and the re-introduction of bus terminus.  Car sharing cycle to work and park and ride  schemes should be pushed forward, the party said.

AD also said the government should introduce incentives for the public to buy pedelecs and power assisted bicycles.

It said that plans to introduce a parking in Mosta, Valletta and Bormla should be discarded because it encourages the use of private cars and leads to more congestion.