Figures released by the NSO indicate that the number of registered vehicles on this tiny archipelago is just shy of 283,000.

This number was an increase of 2,723 in Q2 of 2007 over the previous year. Those figures are pretty alarming. However, on a more positive note, the number of traffic related accidents is falling, according to the same NSO.

But let us really look hard at that figure and attempt to justify it. We have a population of almost 400,000. There are almost 300,000 registered vehicles on the road and without being an analyst or expert, that figure seems sky high. When you break the number down further, it turns out that 76 per cent of these vehicles are privately owned, while 16.3 per cent are commercial. In addition, when one compares the amount of new registration to the scrapping of vehicles, it becomes a bit more alarming. Only 559 vehicles were scrapped during that period, compared to an increase of 2,723 new registrations. So what we are basically witnessing is a burgeoning business that is resulting in gridlock on the roads. In addition, one also wonders why on earth the price of cars is still so high in Malta when one looks at the roaring trade they must be drumming up, yet that is not the purpose of this editorial. Back to the matter at hand.

Quite simply, something must be done to arrest this trend. The solutions are two fold. One is a change in mentality. Maltese people tend to use their cars for the shortest of journeys, even down to the post box when it is only five minutes away on foot. We need to rely less on our cars and walk or even cycle a bit more. It is one thing to complain about pollution, but to actively contribute towards it and simply moan is not on. We are all responsible and we must all take action, that’s the way it goes. Another issue to do, with a change in mindset, is the concept of car pooling. Office and factory workers in particular should consider this, perhaps even in terms of hiring a mini-van. The carbon footprint is much smaller and it’s probably a lot cheaper too.

But the major issue at hand is a lack of alternatives. Let’s be honest. No matter what anyone says, the public transport system in this country is, quite simply atrocious, and has been for as long as many can remember. We have no trams, no electric trains, no metros, no water taxis, no nothing. Granted, we have the park and ride shuttle system and the electric taxis in Valletta. But there is no efficient, cheap, clean and safe mode of transportation that can get you anywhere. Would it seriously be so difficult to operate a tram in Valletta or St Julian’s for that matter. Something must be done. Malta, and indeed Gozo, simply cannot take many more vehicles.

We are very close to saturation point and if something is not done now, we are looking at major problems. Sure, the government might establish that a metro is not feasible. Well and good, we are no experts. But come off it, at least one or two of the above mentioned ideas would definitely help.

Even if the bus terminus had to remain in Valletta and you had a few links by tram to it, it would be an improvement. In the year 2007, where boffins can come up with a solution to anything, we are sure that they can come up with a public transport network for Malta.