Transport Minister Chris Bonett said that Qormi requires a holistic masterplan due to rapid commercial growth before any major works can be carried out in several areas, as government waits for the full technical studies to be completed.

Speaking in Parliament on Monday during the parliamentary questions session to a question asked by PL MP Rosianne Cutajar, Bonett said that major roadworks in Qormi will move ahead once it is fully certain that the interventions are structurally, logistically and traffic-wise feasible, noting that the locality requires a "holistic" masterplan due to rapid commercial development.

Bonett also spoke of progress on mobility reforms, upcoming transport schemes, and road safety measures set to intensify over the holiday season.

Bonett said plans to begin works on Triq il-Belt Valletta were held back deliberately after technical assessments showed the road is "complex" both in terms of infrastructure and traffic.

"We must be certain before rebuilding such a complex road from scratch. Qormi has experienced significant commercial growth over the years, and last weekend showed clearly that we need to look at Qormi holistically," Bonett said.

Bonett was referring to standstill traffic the area experienced due to Black Friday weekend.

He said that Transport Malta is carrying out full traffic counts across the locality, especially around problematic areas such as the War Victims Monument roundabout and the roundabout near the horse-racing track, where there are many commercial establishments.

"We want Qormi to have a masterplan, and we need to work on it. Once we are sure that any intervention is the least invasive possible, we will move forward," he said.

Bonett gave an update on the government's 44 Reshaping our Mobility measures, launched in April, where he said that 14 measures have already been implemented, six are currently ongoing, and 24 more will begin next year. He was responding to a question by PL MP Alex Muscat.

Bonett said these measures look at short, medium and long-term goals, with long-term efforts focused on mass transport.

The minister also said that government has "almost reached the point" of launching the 'Surrender Your Licence' scheme, planned for next year.

Young people aged 18 to 30 who opt out of using any private motor vehicle and renounce their license will be given €5,000 and a similar scheme for motorcycle users is also being drafted.

Bonett said government will introduce off-peak services, encouraging the private sector to avoid deliveries during rush hours.

Waste collection will also shift to off-peak times, he added, with the aim of distributing certain services over 24 hours instead of 12, as happens today.

Asked by MP Katya De Giovanni about campaigns targeting drink-driving during the festive season, Bonett said Transport Malta's "Think Twice" (Aħsibha Darbtejn) campaign will continue running year-round, with an increased focus during the holidays.

He warned that Malta is also facing a "new addiction": mobile phone use while driving.

"It has become a huge problem, we seem unable to live without our phones, and it is causing accidents. Legislation has been toughened, but mobile use remains endemic," he said.

The campaign will therefore increasingly tackle mobile use behind the wheel.

A new Road Safety Strategy, currently finalised, will be launched early next year, focusing on respect between road users, Bonett said.

He said that TM will also take the message to towns and villages through a nationwide roadshow, aiming to show the real consequences of dangerous driving.

Bonett, in response to a question by MP Toni Bezzina, said a high-level study is underway on land and sea use and on creating an integrated transport system.

"We will come to the Opposition once experts have reviewed the document," he added.

He stressed that reforms will not be rushed, and things must be made with sense.

"There is full empathy from my side on the issues people face, but we must come out with solutions that make sense for everyone," he said.

The minister, in response to a question by MP Rosianne Cutajar also confirmed that further measures related to rural roads, which often create bottlenecks, will be announced in the coming days.