Swieqi traffic system ruffles feathers... again

A traffic management system, including a number of one-way streets, is to be introduced in Swieqi once details have been finalised with the Malta Transport Authority (ADT) next week.

The Swieqi council explained the proposed system in its magazine, which has been circulated to homes in the locality, but mayor Alfred Curmi stressed that the system would be introduced on a trial basis for three months and that it could then be fine-tuned. The road markings are already being made, ruffling the feathers of a number of residents and the action group set up to fight a traffic management system proposed by the council.

There was disagreement last April when signs had been put up in Swieqi indicating a one-way system and the plans were shelved for further consultation after a series of heated meetings for the public. In the ensuing months, the road signs remained covered up.

The issue flared up again when ADT contractors were applying markings in connection with the valley road to San Gwann, which has been widened and made two-way in anticipation of the closure of the Manwel Dimech Street bridge. Sources said that since they were in the locality, they were asked to start on the traffic management system, jumping the gun by a week.

However, it is not clear who authorised the works. When contacted both the mayor and the ADT denied they authorised them.

"We were told by the mayor that the action group would be consulted but this was not done and now markings are being painted on the road," council candidate Paul Fenech complained to The Times.

"Who is in charge?"

The chairman of the ADT, Gianfranco Selvaggi, when asked to comment, made the answer to this question clear: "I have sent someone to check about this illegitimate signage, to remove them and charge the local council the cost to do so. ADT is in charge."