Busy Valletta roads become pedestrian zones

New traffic arrangements in Valletta came into force yesterday, turning traffic chocked streets into pedestrian zones.

The upper part of Merchants Street was closed, blocking one of the former exits from the city. Bollards were also used to close off St Ursula Street.

St Paul Street was busier than usual as cars were diverted from Merchants Street. However, Valletta mayor Paul Borg Olivier said this was only a temporary measure. He explained that, for the moment, St Paul Street was taking all the vehicles that pass through the part of Merchants Street that is open. But this section of Merchants Street will soon be pedestrianised, with St John Street being also closed for traffic.

A number of policemen and Malta Transport Authority (ADT) enforcement officers were stationed in certain areas, directing traffic through the new routes.

Although there were mixed reactions to the new traffic arrangements, the mayor hailed them as an improvement over last Wednesday, when confusion reigned supreme after parts of the city were briefly closed to traffic.

ADT official Konrad Pulè said the new traffic arrangements would be monitored and a decision would be taken within weeks as to whether to retain the system or alter it again.

As of next month, a new payment scheme for entering Valletta will come into force, replacing the V licence, which allows entry into the city. Motorists will be charged according to the amount of time their vehicle spends in Valletta, with the first half hour being free of charge.

The scheme will be in force on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., and on Saturday between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. There will be no restrictions on Sundays and public holidays.