Watch: We Are Addicted To Our Cars And I Am Part Of The Problem Too, PL MP Admits
Discussion on the future of transport in Malta must start with an acknowledgment that the public is “addicted” to private cars, PL MP Omar Farrugia said today.
“There’s much room for improvement in public transport but let’s be honest with ourselves – we all like our cars and when summer comes around, we would all much rather travel in our cars where we can adjust the AC to whatever temperature we like and have our own personal space,” Farrugia said in Parliament today.
“The question we must ask ourselves is clear – if we keep on improving public transport, are we ready to stop using our private cars for the sake of the environment and sustainability? It’s easy to say we must tackle air pollution but are we ready to sacrifice and not use our cars for post-work errands?”
Farrugia admitted that he is currently “part of the problem” as he prefers using his private car than catching the bus to get around.
“People will continue choosing their private cars because it’s a more comfortable option. I’m part of the problem because my days are so packed and I find the car more comfortable to get around. The absolute majority of people agree with me.”
The MP described the dependency of the people of Malta on private cars as an “addiction”.
“Are we ready to accept that we have an addiction to private cars and that economic progress has reached a point where most people can afford a car and don’t want to look at other options?” he questioned.
“What can we do to change this culture, to encourage youths to make other transport choices and to encourage workers to car-pool?”
“If a man is drunk we don’t ask how much more alcohol his body can take. We must accept we have a problem, we must accept our addiction and we must reduce our consumption of the private car, which is easy to say but not easy to do.”
“We can speak about capital projects as much as we like, but if the demand for cars keeps increasing we will remain where we are with the same traffic symptoms. The time has come to expand the debate and the first step is to accept that we have a problem… which is all of us who leave our homes every morning for work with our car keys in hand.”
How can Malta encourage people to shift to alternative forms of transport?
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