Road hazards

The chaotic traffic conditions encountered throughout the day and evening at the roundabout in Naxxar Road at the bottom of Vjal it-Trasfigurazzjoni, Lija, will only be resolved if the roundabout is removed and traffic lights are introduced. This should be done in conjunction with the resurfacing of part of the bypass leading to the roundabout. Every driver does his best to get onto the roundabout from five different roads, thus causing confusion. Also, the road signs, which used to be painted on the ground, have faded away. The Roads Department should look at this problem and try to do something about it.

While on the subject of roads, I had written some months ago, as have other correspondents, on the lack of a pedestrian crossing at Xemxija Hill. The St Paul's Bay mayor had written that his council had played its part and constructed new pavements and parking bays but, he said, the question of a pedestrian crossing or traffic lights was up to the Roads Department. Nothing has been done and the dangers still exist as people, Maltese and tourists alike, rush across the road to catch the bus while cars speed up and down the road. Drivers feel safer now as the traffic camera has been removed although the actual signs are still there. Pedestrians trying to cross the road to patronise one of the catering outlets or to get back to their cars certainly do not feel safe and are in constant danger.

A third point I would like to raise is the ever-deteriorating state of roads like Vjal it-Trasfigurazzjoni, in Lija, Labour Avenue, in Naxxar and that part of Naxxar Road from Smart's Supermarket to the HSBC Bank. It is all very commendable to reconstruct and resurface roads around the periphery but what about those in our towns and villages that are the responsibility of the central government?