Chairperson of the ADPD - the Green Party Sandra Gauci called for long-term, sustainable solutions to the future of urban planning in the country.

During the 'Urban Malta Conference 2025' organised by the Malta Institute of Management held on Thursday, the future of urban planning in Malta was discussed, an ADPD statement said.

Gauci, who took part in the conference, said that it is good that such discussions are being held, but stressed that long-term solutions are needed.

She said that unfortunately, what often emerges are only short-term proposals that lack long-term vision.

Gauci said that the fact that car use continues to reign and remains the top priority on the roads over all other forms of transport shows how outdated the government's plan is even before it is implemented.

She said that there is no need to reinvent the wheel, as there are many examples from other European countries, including small and medium-sized cities, that can be adapted for Malta.

Gauci said that the government's plan ignores the impacts of climate change and the effects of vehicles on people's health.

"In modern countries, contrary to what some believe, car use is decreasing, not increasing. The more the government procrastinates, the more there will be a need for measures that might feel harsh at first," Gauci said.

She said that the economy is not going to collapse, on the contrary, with proper planning, everyone will quickly realise that in a small country like Malta, one can have an efficient and sustainable transport system, even without private cars that take up all road space.

"When you see how much time we waste in traffic, you realise how much of our lives we are losing. The proposals remain far too timid when what is needed are bold decisions, courage that currently appears to be lacking both in government and in Parliament," Gauci said.

"We at ADPD have already published our solutions some time ago and continue to repeat them. We need a Bus Rapid Transit system, with dedicated lanes or carriageways. These buses would not get stuck in traffic and would be given priority at intersections, carrying large numbers of passengers," Gauci said.

She said that trams in certain areas could also be part of the solution, as well as incentivising more teleworking, both in the private and public sectors.

"The government should lead by example and have more of its workers on telework. Cars carrying multiple passengers should be allowed to use certain roads that are off-limits to single-occupant vehicles," Gauci said.

She said that the country not only needs to develop economically, but it also needs to function, and a mobility system based on more and more traffic does not work.

Among other proposals from ADPD regarding mobility include the need for more attention to be given to bicycles and pedelecs, with safe routes along all major roads, and with an emphasis on road safety across the board.

The ADPD said that pedestrianisation, which gives streets back to people and strengthens communities, is another proposal.

"Yet again, there is no willingness to implement such proposals. We will not move forward with small efforts," the ADPD said.