The number of vehicles on Maltese roads shot up to above 400,000 for the first time in history, according to statistics released by the National Statistics Office.

A number of things will pass through most people’s minds. The first will likely be that this will result in more traffic. The second, is likely to be ‘more parking issues’. The third, is ‘others should give up using cars’. The fourth is, ‘I can’t give it up for X reason.’

Here lies the problem. Most people struggle to give up using their cars because they believe: a) they will be restricted in their movements, b) it would be inconvenient not to drive, c) they are concerned about the state of public transport and whether they would really want to ride a bus, and d) they just like driving.

In reality, if the first three issues are not solved, then it is unlikely that Malta will see a significant reduction in car usage.

Widening roads is  helping to alleviate traffic in the short-term, but at what cost?

So then, what is the solution? Well for one thing, the public transport system needs improving. Faith needs to be restored in it. Also, it is highly unlikely that this is something that can be fixed until after the pandemic. Let’s be honest, how many people want to ride a bus filled with other people right now? But at least the groundwork can be laid to hit the ground running. Come up with a successful plan.

Secondly, and this has been spoken about at length many-a-time… improve alternative methods of transport, promote cycling, make cycling safer, perhaps further promote car sharing (once the pandemic is in the past of course). The government has been constructing cycling lanes, but more needs to be done.

What about motorbikes… there is a lot that needs to be said here. The road mentality in Malta is appalling. A percentage of drivers believe they are God’s gift to the roads and that they are in the right no matter what. ‘The kings of the road’, as some might refer to them, tend to pose a danger to drivers, let alone motorcyclists. Those drivers who cut out at a roundabout regardless of oncoming cars, those who run a red light, who suddenly change lane without indicator… there are so many, those who decide to do a burn out just for fun. At the same time, motorcyclists do need to be more careful on the road, and stop speeding on the Coast Road. More people riding motorcycles will reduce traffic, but before more people take up such a mode of transport, road safety needs to be addressed. And yes, it is a mentality issue.

Then, there is mass transport. People want to get from point A to point B fast. The best way to accomplish this would be through a mass transportation system. Will it be costly? Yes, will it take long to build? Yes, will there be many infrastructural challenges? Yes. Should Malta go for it? Probably, but we need to see the plans that were drawn up first. The government has them and will eventually release them. The pros and cons must be weighed, but if what is presented does not end up being a good option, then that should not be the end of a discussion, and other options and methods of implementing a mass transportation system should be looked into.

Malta is meant to be moving towards electric and hybrid vehicles. While there is a jump in these kinds of vehicles being purchased, the majority of new vehicles still run on petrol and diesel. Now the price of electric and hybrid cars will obviously play a part in this, but perhaps more incentives to purchase cleaner vehicles should be implemented.