Licences Racket, Lanes, And Crossings: Rota’s Eight Priorities For The New Transport Minister
Activist organisation Rota has provided new Transport Minister Chris Bonett with eight priorities to make Malta’s roads safer and more sustainable.
“Rota acknowledges the existence of poorly designed projects that pose significant risks to sustainable mobility users. With Bonett now in the driver’s seat, we see this as an opportunity to change gears and tackle the below issues which need immediate attention,” the group said.
While acknowledging the challenges inherited by Bonnett, the group admitted to being hopeful for change.
With that being said, these are the eight main things that Rota believes Bonnett should focus on as Transport Minister:
1. Sustainable Mobility
“There is a critical need for a comprehensive focus on sustainable mobility, and promoting eco-friendly transportation alternatives.”
2. Re-evaluate the Msida Creek Project
“Rethink the Msida Creek project to prioritise alternative mobility solutions over additional flyovers, offering safe links for all road users between Msida, University, and Valletta.”
Rota’s alternative layout proposed to Infrastructure Malta back in 2022 can be seen here.
3. Fix the Mġarr Bicycle Lane
“Address the longstanding issue of the narrow Mġarr bicycle lane, which has posed a hazard for cyclists for over two years.”
Rota’s recommendation for this space can be found here.
4. Improve Safety on Tal-Balal Road
“Take immediate action on tal-Balal road, identified by cyclists as the most dangerous, by implementing measures to enhance safety.”
5. Introduce Level Crossings in Marsa
“Address the inadequacies of lifts on level crossings in Marsa, which have been frequently out of order. This can run beneath all 7 flyovers not affecting the vast majority of motorised flow, to ensure a continuous, unhindered connection through the bicycle path from Paola directly onto the quiet ways of Albert Town to Marsa and Ħamrun.”
6. Address the Driving Licences Racket
“Last year we were made aware that hundreds of drivers allegedly obtained their driving licenses illicitly. This poses a serious risk to road user safety and isn’t something which can simply be swept under the carpet.”
7. Implement a Comprehensive Cycling Strategy
“Introduce, implement, and enforce a cycling strategy for Malta, aligning the nation with the standards set by other EU member states.”
8. Provide safe cycling routes along St. Andrew’s Road
“St Andrew’s Road is a very important corridor linking the highly densely urbanised areas of Swieqi, Tal-Ibraġ, Pembroke, and Paceville. There has never been any thought to cycling and walking provisions.”
Find Rota’s proposal here.
Do you think this list is missing any proposals?
READ NEXT: Car Crashes Over Barricade In Floriana, No Injuries
