An no-entry sign in Triq il-Gnien in Gharghur is forcing residents in the area to take a long drive around the village before they finally reach their destination.

Residents driving from the Coast Road or from Busietta Gardens towards the environs of Triq il-Gnien are complaining because they have to drive all around Gharghur to get to their home. They said that if the road was open to two-way traffic, it would save them time and money.

Not only is going round the long way a waste of petrol –an extra 1.5km – but sometimes the road is blocked by a bowser or by a truck that stops by the baker, said resident Charles Spiteri.

Furthermore, he said, there are two main roads in Gharghur that are closed to traffic during certain hours because of the government schools.

Most of the residents signed a petition requesting that two-way traffic be allowed and presented it to the Gharghur local council.

However, Mr Spiteri said the councillors had voted against it unanimously.

“All we are asking for is that the road is accessible both ways for residents only,” he said. “The theory that the road is too narrow does not hold as most of the roads in Gharghur are very narrow.”

Furthermore, he said, in the morning there are cars parked the wrong way – which means they ignore the no-entry sign.

Mr Spiteri added that between 8.30 and 9.30am, a warden’s car is parked round the corner from Triq il-Gnien waiting to issue contraventions to motorists who drive up the wrong way.

Another resident, George Fenech, pointed out that water bowsers actually drive up Triq il-Gnien.

“It is too narrow for them to go round the long way. Not so long ago a bowser actually dragged down a balcony when it was taking the long way round,” said Mr Fenech.