The Communications Minister has ordered the Malta Transport Authority to look into complaints by the teachers' union that small children were in danger every time they enter or leave their school in Żurrieq.
Communications Minister Austin Gatt yesterday wrote to the ADT's chief executive officer directing him to take action over the dangerous situation highlighted by the Malta Union of Teachers. Dr Gatt also asked the ADT to draw up clear policy guidelines and procedures to ensure high safety standards on roads adjacent to schools particularly during opening and closing times.
On Thursday the MUT expressed concern that children aged between three and eight attending primary school A in Triq Santa Katerina, Żurrieq, were in danger each time they entered and left school.
The union said the school administration had notified the authorities several times about the situation, but no action had been taken. It called on the authorities to tackle the situation at once before an accident happens.
When contacted, school head Josette Dalmas said the school agreed with the union's appeal to the authorities.
"We would like something to be done to make the road safer for the children. It (the road) is an accident waiting to happen," she said.
Dr Gatt wrote in his letter: "You will agree that it is the responsibility of the ADT to ensure that policies and procedures are in place to ensure safety on the roads at all times. This is even more the case when a present danger exists for the safety of children. It is my conviction that the present situation demands the authority's initiative and leadership to achieve a swift and effective solution."
The minister ordered the ADT to probe the situation and share the findings with the administration of the Żurrieq local council, the MUT and the school; coordinate all relevant entities to take any action necessary so that the safety of the students was ensured; and draw up and publish, within six weeks, clear policy guidelines and procedures to ensure the highest safety standards on roads adjacent to schools, particularly during opening and closing times. These guidelines would be relevant to the ADT itself, school administrators, transport operators, the police, local councils and motorists.