A free service providing 'swift roadside assistance to drivers in difficulty' has been set up by the Transport Malta in time for the dawn of a new scholastic year, a press release by the Ministry for Transport and Infrastructure said, in which a number of initiatives where mentioned to with the aim of easing traffic at its peak.

As from tomorrow, "Transport Malta will be monitoring roads from its control centre and an emergency number -8007 3399- has been set up to provide swift roadside assistance to drivers in difficulty, with tow trucks on standby in different areas," the press release said. "This free service aims to reduce the impact of traffic congestion caused by accidents and other difficulties. "

The authorities will also be increasing the number of enforcement officials on the roads, whilst Local Councils "have been guided not to issue permits for road closures, even partially, during peak hours, between seven and nine in the morning," the ministry wrote. They added that "work carried out on roads, such as the irrigation of landscaped areas along the roads, is also not permitted during these hours."

The press release also stated that they have "invested heavily in (its) enforcement section, conceiving and forming a rapid intervention team."

"Officers on motorbikes are able to reach areas where an accident has occurred, despite the traffic," the Ministry said.

They added, "The Government is also committed to reduce our dependency on private cars by encouraging increased use of alternative modes of transport, including public transport. The planning and studies for the introduction of a new rapid mass transport system is in progress as well."