I would like to express my disapproval at the decision taken by Iklin local council to close part of Geronimo Abos Street, blocking off access to Naxxar through this road. According to the council, this was closed as a trial for 10 days. The council also claimed that it is covered by the relevant permits (presumably from ADT). With the trade fair opening this week, the timing could not have been worse, with the result that this decision is leading to massive traffic jams. There is also no justification for closing a major road or, for that matter, any other road, just because residents are complaining.

Naxxar residents have been putting up with the inconvenience of the trade fair for years, so will Naxxar local council block access to all roads with the exception of those leading to the trade fair? If every local council adopts the same approach whenever a major activity takes place in their area, Maltese traffic will be virtually brought to a standstill – not to mention the traffic jams that are being created, increasing pollution and the incidence of road rage in the process.

I appeal to the ADT to stop these unjustified road closures with immediate effect as they are creating unnecessary and uncalled for disruption instead of contributing to professional traffic management. Wardens or traffic police deployed nearer to the trade fair grounds would be more efficient controlling traffic then blocking roads in another area.

Ian Mercieca Bons

Naxxar