On Saturday morning, motorists woke up to two roundabouts in close proximity of each other on the outskirts of Naxxar partially blocked off by means of bollards.

One of the roundabouts lies at the top of the Iklin valley and the other opposite GS Supermarket.

Many motorists using the roundabouts on a daily basis wondered what the bollards were all about on witnessing them being installed. A day after, a number of The Malta Independent readers called our newsroom and questioned the move, which did not go down too well. This because the road leading to Naxxar from San Gwann is normally congested with traffic, not only during rush hours. At times it takes motorists more than an hour to get to Naxxar from the area of Taz Zwejt in San Gwann.

After questions were sent to the ministry responsible for roads by this newsroom, the ministry explained that the move was temporary and that traffic flows were being monitored by Transport Malta representatives. It also explained that it was a trial to verify whether the move will ease traffic. In the end, it didn't and the bollards were removed yesterday afternoon.

Before the bollards were removed, motorists coming from San Gwann were no longer allowed to turn right to Birguma, but had to continue driving towards Naxxar and make a U-turn back at the roundabout near the GS Stores.

This meant that motorists had to travel a longer distance towards their destination - all the while, stuck in traffic.

The ministry decided to reverse the situation after Transport Malta found that the measure was not decreasing traffic flows and made them worse.

On the one hand, it seems that the move came out of the blue without the public notified in some form or other when this government boasts of consulting before implementing measures. But on the other hand, that the ministry' intentions were good since the decision was taken to supposedly ease the traffic situation in the area. And, again, once it was clear that the arrangements were not working, the decision was reversed. This showed that the ministry listened to the many who complained, even if it did not consult prior to installing the bollards.

At the end of the day, as we have already mentioned, the intention was good and the Ministry did show common sense in retracting the move and putting things back to how they were. But Malta is what it is, it is akin to a small city state rather than a large country. When arbitrary decisions are taken without consultation, there is usually a backlash. While this government has tried to move and shake things, when it does so without properly informing the general public (being the mollycoddled lot that we are) a fuss is bound to be kicked up. Kudos for trying, kudos for retracting the decision, but consulting on a broader level first would have been even better.