Mixed opinions this morning as a number of children and parents spoke with The Malta Independent about whether they found much traffic and how they feel about their heavy back-packs.
It is hard to forget this time last year, on that infamous morning where it appeared as though the entire country was caught in gridlock traffic. Many journalists from this newsroom took a whopping two hours to get to work, as opposed to the normal 20 minute journey.
While some parents said that traffic was reasonable this morning, some children did not see it the same way and said that it was still too much for them.
Everyone was in agreement with regards the weight of the children’s school bags being too much, however many noted that the first day is always the worst as they would need to bring the most supplies, many of which would remain at school.
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Heavy traffic jams were reported across Malta this morning as the new scholastic year started today. Over 30,000 students have returned to their school benches today, together with almost 6,000 teachers and LSAs.
As was expected, school transport placed a heavy burden on Malta’s road infrastructure and several main roads were gridlocked.
Other areas, however, were surprisingly free of traffic as wardens went out in force today and did a good job of directing vehicles.
Motorists said traffic at T’Alla w’Ommu road in Naxxar was at a complete standstill. Traffic from Naxxar towards San Gwann was also gridlocked. Heavy traffic was also reported in Valley Road towards Msida, and the Birkirkara Bypass.
There was heavy traffic in the Qormi valley this morning and the situation is no better in Lija, direction of Mater Dei.
Our reporters on the ground said that wardens are so far doing a good job of directing traffic in the Naxxar area.
Some usually busy areas, like Sliema and the Kappara area, were relatively free of traffic.
On the other hand traffic on regional road is completely stopped. Traffic was building up in Paola at around 8.30am but December 13 Road in the direction of Valletta was clear.
Transport Minister Joe Mizzi said last week that the best way to avoid being late to work was to leave earlier than usual, plan your route better and preferably use public transport.
50 officials, from police officers to wardens, have also been placed in strategic roads across the country to better control the traffic flow. Mr Mizzi said, however, that miracles could not be expected.
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