Birguma bypass traffic arrangements (2)

When the new roundabout opposite the Għargħur entrance was planned and eventually constructed no consideration was made as to the effect this would have on the service road of Margaret A. Murray Street.

Initially, this service road was put in the original project after much representation by the residents themselves.

This is an important safety feature to the residents and their families given the nature of such a main artery.

Since the new opening was put in, just off the roundabout and in line with the flow of traffic, we have already had at least three close shaves. The road leads practically right into our garages, and the sweep of the road means that traffic does not even have to slow down when entering the service road "blind" which is dangerous to us residents living on that end of Margaret A. Murray Street. This could eventually lead to a serious accident. Furthermore, since the opening was put in, motorists were using our service road as a short cut leading to St Paul Street turning our part of the service road into a major artery. I believe this is what traffic specialists call "ratting" and is to be avoided at all costs.

It is alright for Mr Azzopardi to call on the authorities to remove the bollards and open the road for traffic. After all he lives a long way down the road, well away from potential accidents and hazards.

A service road is there to "service" the dwellings on that road. There are many access roads giving onto this service road from St Paul Street and it is no hardship for anybody to get to their house.

Mr Azzopardi, let's keep the road as a service road and not change it into main highway for the convenience of a few living well away, and to the detriment and danger of the residents on that side of the road.