Upon noticing the evolution of the development, David decided to embark on his own investigation in July of this year to figure out whether his traffic-related suspicions could be affirmed.

And that they were.

David purchased NSO statistics which show that the number of reported traffic accidents on the road – Triq San Filippu – has technically quadrupled when considering that the amount that occurred in the first quarter of 2023 (four) is the same as the whole of 2021. Bumper-to-bumper accidents are not included in these numbers.

Meanwhile, in 2022, the number shot up from four in the previous year to seven; it must be noted that the statistics don’t reveal the months the collisions occurred so Lovin Malta cannot confirm the point of the year that the bulk of the incidents increased.

So, David went ahead and shared his findings with the local council and TM, explaining that the road organically narrows into a one-lane yet the changes create an illusion of a two-way lane.

In his email, he stated that earlier this year, a public transport bus crashed into his balcony and caused substantial damages because two large vehicles can not fit on that road at the same time. He included photo and video footage of this incident when contacting the entities.

And while the police took care of the issue, the crux of the problem remains unaddressed by the relevant authorities.

TM responded to the emails in August explaining that they will thoroughly evaluate the content and take the issue seriously. They eventually published a report recommendation for the road to either become one-way or for it to return to its original state.

Yet, besides this, not much has been done by the authority.

The parking spots were removed to reduce traffic and this was done without the approval of TM because it never responded to the request submitted two years prior, according to the official minutes during which the council debated the issue in 2022. 

So, the council decided to make an “urgent decision” to “reduce the danger”.

The 2023 debates, during which David intervened twice, have not yet been published online.

However, as seen through the statistics, the opposite occurred and the number of reported traffic-related incidents bolstered. And while TM has shown interest in David’s concerns, nothing has really been done.

Meanwhile, local council workers were sent to repaint the signs indicating the new changes are here to stay.

David explained that, while he did not wish to include a third party in the issue, he felt like his consistent appeals, complaints, and submissions of evidence had just been ignored. 

Lovin Malta has reached out to the local council for comments on the issue.

What do you make of this?

*The names in the story have been changed to protect identities.