These people have a right to make a living. Such right is guaranteed by our Constitution. On the other hand, they have to respect the laws and cooperate with the authorities in the overall upkeep of the environment, especially if their commerce is creating nuisance to locals as well as tourists.

For instance, the horse droppings issue must be resolved. Horses’ urine is another cause of concern as is the disruption caused to the traffic flow because of slow moving cabs. It is also a fact that most of the cabby drivers disregard traffic regulations; rarely stopping at stop signs, keep to the middle of the lane and in most instances assuming right of way at any traffic intersection.

So I suggest that: All cab drivers should have a standard attire preferably to enhance Maltese folklore, have a standardised trip cost system which is published at the cab stands, be responsible to clean horse deposits at all times and to observe the traffic regulations. All cabs entering Mdina must have rubber protected wheel rims. The authorities must enforce or legislate as the case may be the Code of Conduct for the Horse Cab Owners, which has been on the circuit since 2004!

Therefore, the Union should advise its members that they cannot have the best of both worlds.

John Fenech

St Julian’s