Commentary

Sometime ago reference was made to pedestrian safety by the Victoria school complex. This measure included the construction of a subway in front of the Ninu Cremona School entrance while a programme of roadworks was under way. However, for unknown reasons, MEPA did not sanction the subway construction and both entrances were walled up.

MEPA never provided an explanation for this decision. However, one might be tempted to discover the reasons behind it, namely the lack of an application by the competent authorities, which was necessary for the construction and a beneficiary element of the project, which was ignored.

The subway would remove unnecessary danger to pedestrians, especially students, when crossing the wide, traffic-congested street. While making crossing safer, it would also ease traffic congestion when pedestrians use the zebra crossing, especially during the school hours in the mornings and the afternoons.

Another spot that calls for the construction of a subway is the street in front of the Capuchin Friars' church. The entrance to the church parvis creates a blind spot for people on their way to and from church services. For obvious reasons, churchgoers park their vehicles in the little square across the road and have to cross the street to get to the church and back, which is dangerous, considering the blind corner.

Vehicles drive at fast speeds in both directions and so have to halt with great difficulty whenever people cross the road, especially from the church parvis.

Other observations relating to traffic management in general include the confusion at the top of Main Gate Street, Victoria. When a bus stops, it creates traffic jams and sometimes remains stationary for five to ten minutes as upcoming vehicles do not stop to let the bus drive down in the direction of the bus terminus. Surely traffic lights would alleviate the unnecessary confusion for good.

The recent road marks and traffic signs installed on the resurfaced area at the Madonna tar-Rummiena near Ta' Hamet chapel is also another issue. It is with relief that finally the signs were correctly adjusted at this heavy traffic junction. This spot has witnessed a number of traffic accidents, especially with Maltese motorists who are not familiar with the wrongly installed traffic signs.

In view of the recent modifications to the signs, the Gozo authorities should launch an awareness campaign on the recent changes made so that the Gozitan motorists would know about the new organisation of signs and manage their vehicles accordingly. This is being stated after recent road accidents involving motorists who were not aware of the changes.

Finally, rumour has it that passengers wishing to get to Mgarr to catch the early ferry to Malta have been deprived of public transport. This is creating great inconvenience, especially at this early hour. In fact, Xaghra passengers have had to travel to Xewkija on foot to catch the Mgarr-bound bus coming from Victoria. This is creating unnecessary hardship and at the same time personal risk as they have to walk alone at this untimely hour along the empty roads.

While it is presumed that the bus service has been stopped due to non-viability because of the fewer passengers and the increase in fuel prices for buses, the authorities should take into consideration the hardship being suffered by the would-be passengers and provide a different mode of transport, such as a mini-bus service.

While charging a bit more than the bus services, it may be partly subsidised by the Gozo authorities. It offers security and ensures passengers will get to the ferries punctually, free from physical hazard and fatigue.