From A. Brincat

Saying that the traffic situation is a “shame” is doing it an honour. No control seems to exist and the wardens are there to give parking tickets in certain areas and at

certain times.

I think Bus No. 145 from Cirkewwa broke all records on Sunday, 29 October. It left at 5:50pm and took one hour and 10 minutes to reach Xemxija church. And this because of the incredible traffic congestion that started in the middle of Mellieha hill.

Is it possible that there is nobody and nothing that can control such traffic jams? Is it possible that not one single traffic cop or warden was to be seen all the way from Cirkewwa to Birkirkara at the time, and probably not even later? Where are those costly motorbikes the taxpayer contributed to so that we could have a better and more efficient traffic police squad? Are they only used to escort VIPs and for parades? Can they not contribute more to help improve the chaotic traffic situation? This is not Paris or London, and taking such a long time to cover a few kilometres is simply not acceptable. Is this what we are offering our taxpayers and tourists? Is this part of the Brand Malta scheme? How far do we still have to go to attract tourists and satisfy locals?

And what would happen if, in an emergency, a fire engine or ambulance were called. Which way would they go? Does it matter to anybody that there could be victims?

I am no traffic expert but I am sure that a couple of officers controlling and diverting traffic as necessary would help make it much easier and faster to reach one’s destination. We do have too many cars on the roads, but our distances are nothing compared to those of other countries. Our problem is that nobody bothers to try and improve things: let sleeping dogs lie and unless there are protests and/or serious accidents, then let it be and don’t trouble trouble unless trouble troubles you.

A. Brincat

BIRKIRKARA