I agree with the editorial Streets for people (TMID, 26 September) and would like to add some comments to what was written.

What surprises me is that environmental groups, including political parties such as Alternattiva Demokratika who believe that they are champions of such matters, did not issue any statements before or after European Mobility Week was celebrated.

They should have been in the forefront to push the government into organising something more than a simple visit by a minister to some children using their bicycles.

Why did they choose to remain silent about this?

I believe that the government should give more importance to initiatives that reduce the use of private vehicles.

First of all, the public transport service needs to be improved.

Secondly, there should be a continuous campaign for people to pool in their resources and, where possible, go to their offices or on errands in groups.

Thirdly, more pedestrian zones should be introduced in places such as Sliema, Marsascala and St Paul’s Bay.

The government must be a prime mover in this and, if it is not, then NGOs and political parties should push it on such matters.

Mark Mifsud

San Gwann