Many schools re-opened their doors today after the summer holidays, and the weather did not give a helping hand.

A light rain accompanied the start of the scholastic year for Church and private schools, and as always happens in this situation, it does not help the traffic flow as drivers tend to drive at a slower pace (which is good for safety reasons). Still, although traffic has piled up in many of the notorious areas for congestion, drivers are not reporting any increase in waiting time or unusual delays.

Not everything was rosy. Drivers reported that getting out of Naxxar towards San Gwann this morning (at 8:00am) was practically impossible.  Both St Paul's Street and 21st September Avenue were blocked bumper to bumper with vehicles barely moving. "I had to give up and turn back home and will travel later," one driver said. "The free transport has not allieviated traffic at all it seems."

As from today, all students are being given the opportunity to travel to and from school on buses and coaches provided at no cost by the government.

The idea has been welcomed by one and all, as it is meant to reduce the number of cars on the roads at peak hours. But the late signing of the agreement has meant that the system is not yet in place to the full.

The Malta Independent will be keeping you updated on the launch of the free school transport scheme, which starts Monday, and how it will affect the situation on the roads.

Because we cannot be everywhere all the time we are asking you to help us by being our eyes on the ground and telling us about the situation where you are.

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Photos Michael Camilleri and Alenka Falzon