More on traffic problems in Attard

I appreciated the feedback I got to the article I wrote that dealt with the chronic traffic congestion faced by Attard residents (Talking Point, Traffic Problems, November 21).

A number of saracini contacted me by phone but I also had the opportunity of discussing matters face to face with a number of affected families. I also took note of the valid suggestions made by readers in letters to the editor. It is clear that many consider the traffic situation as being the main problem facing this once idyllic village. I fully concur with these sentiments.

I have taken note of a number of suggestions and will be taking them up with the hard-working council of this locality. One must appreciate that certain measures, such as traffic-calming arrangements, traffic lights and parking restrictions in the village core, can only be instituted after the appropriate consultations and with the consent of this democratically-elected body.

It is only fair to acknowledge that a lot has already been done by the council in this respect.

I have already consulted with the Minister of Education, Louis Galea, regarding the possible provision of a parking area for parents dropping their children off at Attard primary school. This would allow traffic to flow freely at all times through Triq Hal-Warda and relieve the unacceptable congestion in Triq il-Linja and Triq il-Ghenba to some extent. I will also be taking the issue up with the minister responsible for transport, Jesmond Mugliett, in the coming days.

This will provide a degree of relief which, admittedly, will only be partial. It only involves minimal expenditure and, I feel, could easily be taken up in the short term.

I am not one to make grandiose promises. I did not wish to sound presumptuous in my previous article and make ambitious proposals that can only be fulfilled through massive expenditure.

I can, however, confirm that I have consulted with Minister Mugliett regarding the possibility of building a bypass that would allow all traffic coming from the north to link with the Mriehel bypass directly without having to pass through Attard. I feel that imminent developments in the Ta' Qali area are making this project imperative. The newly set up convention centre and the planned total rehabilitation of the crafts' village, to mention but two, necessitate some form of alternative routing for the anticipated increase in traffic.

This bypass, a concept Minister Mugliett fully supports, would ease the traffic in roads such as Triq il-Pitkali, Triq Victor Vassallo, Triq Santa Katarina, Triq il-Mosta, Triq Hal-Warda, Triq Ganni Portelli, Triq il-Linja, Triq il-Ghenba, Triq il-Gonna and Triq Birkirkara in one fell swoop.

I would be pleased to continue discussing any further measures that may come to mind with my Attard constituents. Putting our heads together in our attempts at solving the problem is the best way of going about things. My family still lives in Triq il-Linja so I am fully conscious of the difficulties being faced by many who were drawn to this lovely village over the years.

Accepting the status quo is unacceptable.

www.jeffreypullicinoorlando.com