Joseph Sapienza's letter (July 16) makes interesting reading indeed. If it had been written three years ago when the scheme had been newly installed it would have been understandable but, at this point in time, "methinks he doth protest too much".
In brief, Mr Sapienza states that traffic should now, after a long lapse of time, be allowed to continue down the entire length of Dingli Street and then plough into Tower Road once more, metres from the hazardous and totally blind corner in Tower Road adjacent to the tower.
The Traffic Control Board, not the poor old Transport Authority, had been asked to see if the junction of Dingli Street with Tower Road could be made safer for vehicles needing to turn right at this dangerous point. Contrary to popular belief, the TCB did in fact take action and this writer spent considerable time accessing the traffic problem at this junction.
Far too many very slow moving vehicles were found exiting Dingli Street to turn right into Tower Road metres from the fastish blind corner. These comprised route buses, lorries large and small, cement mixers, a crane and a variety of drivers, some of whom were displaying all the skills of those very new to the art of controlling a car. All dragged across Tower Road most remarkably slowly and, in the majority, the car drivers seemed to find it almost impossible to leave the junction with alacrity, the fast pedal presumably being an invention of the devil himself.
The obvious answer was to exit 45 metres further from this obvious hazard. So, experts within the old Roads Department handled drawings etc for the Sliema local council, thereby making the last 50 metres of Dingli Street one-way, coming in from Tower Road.
After so many years of usage, it would come as no surprise to this writer if wardens were to be found, rightly booking people for failing to observe the carriageway markings and signage at this compulsory turn to the left.
It is all a question of evils and the lesser thereof. Don't cross continuous carriageway markings (except in those circumstances enumerated in the Highway Code) and do take notice of all obligatory road signs. It avoids so much hassle and annoyance if the rules are obeyed.
The dear old macho image is not dented if vehicles are driven properly and in compliance with regulations.