Ta’ Qali Park and Ride, More Traffic Enforcement And School Reopening Plan Announced
Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Minister Chris Bonett has announced a series of new measures that will come into effect this September, one of the busiest months of the year as schools reopen.
A key initiative will be the launch of a brand new Park & Ride service on 28th September. The route will start in Ta’ Qali and pass through Rabat, Mosta, Naxxar, Mater Dei and the University of Malta. This measure, part of the Reshaping Our Mobility plan, builds on the Park & Ride service introduced in July from Raħal Ġdid next to the Addolorata Cemetery. Both services are designed to reduce congestion and pollution in town centres while also tackling parking problems in commercial and residential areas.
Alongside this, the government will be introducing a traffic management plan specifically for the reopening of schools. This plan will be rolled out gradually between 15th and 19th September. Over 80 enforcement officers will be deployed across 33 localities in Malta and Gozo, focusing on peak hours between 6:30am and 9:30am in the morning and 3:30pm and 6:30pm in the afternoon. The free Tow Truck service will also be extended to provide assistance to stalled vehicles or minor accidents, helping to keep traffic moving.
Bonett also announced that all roadwork permits will now be evaluated more carefully to minimise disruption, and between 6am and 9:30am on weekdays, no roadwork permits will be issued near schools or in busy traffic areas. These measures are being implemented in close collaboration with Local Councils to ensure effective solutions that work on both a regional and local level.
The Minister stressed that young people and students have an important role to play in shifting Malta’s transport culture. “This age group has the potential to set an example of how we should be using alternative means of transport. We want them to be the change we all need to see,” he said.
He also confirmed that enforcement will be stepped up at strategic points around the country to promote discipline on the roads, improve safety and prevent unnecessary traffic jams.
Malta Public Transport CEO Kurt Farrugia praised the results achieved during the busy summer months, when major events threatened to cause gridlock. “Thanks to our traffic management plan and strong enforcement presence, we were able to limit congestion and keep traffic flowing smoothly. This was only possible thanks to the collaboration and commitment of everyone involved. As we move back into the school routine, we remain determined to keep providing a better experience for drivers and the public,” he said.
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