We all know that our self-discipline on the roads is horrible. The failure to indicate properly and to use lights in tunnels, slow driving on the fast lane, haphazard parking and over-speeding are only a few examples that we see each and every day.
We also get frustrated when we get stuck in traffic jams. They are such a waste of time, not to mention a waste of fuel.
What is perhaps more irritating is the fact that some of these traffic jams could easily be avoided if there is better planning and more intelligence in the way traffic is managed.
Better planning means that any work that needs to be carried out on our roads should not take place at peak hours, unless there is an emergency. Why should, for example, plants on centre-strips be watered while people are on their way to work? Can’t this type of work be carried out before dawn or late in the evening?
Having plants and flowers on our roundabouts and centre-strips embellishes our roads, but if these are going to add to the stress of driving, then one wonders what good effect they are leaving. A case in point is the Regional Road where, it seems, there is always a group of workers who are doing something. Considering how much traffic accumulates in this stretch at any time of day if there is any kind of obstacle, such work should not be carried out when more cars are likely to be on the road.
More intelligence means that when there are bumper-to-bumper accidents, with no people hurt, the cars should be moved to the side of the road as quickly as possible, particularly if the wardens are already present on site.
Recently, two wardens were busily taking down the particulars of two drivers, again on Regional Road, while one of the cars was blocking the junction towards the lower part of Sliema Road. One can imagine the amount of cars that accumulated, both coming from St Julian’s and from Santa Venera. Is it possible that the two wardens did not think it better to first of all clear the road before taking the drivers’ names and addresses?
Such situations should be avoided if we want our traffic system to move more smoothly, and to have drivers who are calmer and less frustrated while on the road. Of course, drivers must do their bit and be more responsible when behind the wheel. They must follow the traffic regulations all the time, not only when they see traffic policemen and wardens ready with their notebooks.
On a more positive note, the firemen who last Saturday evening drained the excessive rainwater which formed a large pool on St Andrew’s Road, preventing traffic from moving, ought to be commended for their efforts. The one-metre high pool of rainwater collected within minutes of the heavy rainfall, but the firemen were in action quickly and safely drained away the water for the traffic flow to resume. Perhaps a way should be found for a long-term solution to this problem, which recurs each time there is heavy rainfall.