Council's efforts to solve Victoria traffic problems

The gist of George Edward Cremona's arguments are undeniably correct (Victoria Choked By Traffic, May 30). The situation in Victoria's core, and not only, with regard to traffic management and to heavy vehicle access, has been in constant deterioration for a number of years now. This has been emphasised by different local councils to the competent authorities for ages. Not only have they highlighted the problem but also put forward proposals.

First, I would like to make it clear that the competent entity on these issues is the Transport Authority (ADT) whose mission statement stipulates: "To plan and provide for a sustainable, high quality, safe, integrated and efficient land transport system that will meet the travelling needs of people and the transport requirements for the movement of goods within the national framework for economic development, social inclusion and protection of the environment". This is to rebut Mr Cremona's final comment.

The local council focused its efforts and exerted pressure on the ADT, as I believe the Ministry for Gozo has done over the years. In fact, way back in September 2006 during the first official meeting we had with the Minister for Gozo, the ring-road was one of the main items on the agenda.

The Minister had told us that she was informed the necessary studies on the matter were being carried out by ADT. To date, neither the Ministry nor the ADT has updated us on any outcome of these studies, if they have actually been carried out.

In light of the above and carrying on the work already initiated under previous councils, in February 2007 we unanimously agreed to send a letter addressed to Audrey Testaferrata de Noto, who is responsible for traffic management systems within ADT, requesting them to start treating the matter seriously, effectively and urgently. We referred to the problem being caused by heavy vehicles passing through Victoria, particularly those using Republic Street, proposed a better traffic management system and suggested the ring-road.

Unfortunately, we have not even received an acknowledgement to this letter and to the numerous reminders that followed.

Last August we agreed to prepare an official document with proposals to be included in the pre-budget document and eventually in the Budget for this year.

The document suggested the importance of building a ring-road for Victoria, together with re-affirming our favourable position on the proposed private parking area put forward by the Gozo Cathedral Council and the other one proposed by the local council for the ditch of the Citadel bastions. These were also brought up during two important meetings the council had with the Mepa chairman and other officials.

We believe that striking the right balance between conserving, preserving and maintaining our heritage and addressing our community's urgent need for parking spaces can be achieved.

There however needs to be good-will from all the forces involved. Even here we discussed the issue with an open mind and agreed that if Mepa could come out with better proposals and suggestions, we were ready to explore them in the best interest of our community.

The document in question was based on a number of policy documents issued by the government.

Unfortunately, the council's proposals were not deemed as top priority for the government for the time being.

We will be presenting a similar document again this year as our official comments for the pre-budget document and in the consultations being carried out on the proposed reform to local council legislation.

Every time I have had the opportunity as mayor to voice my concerns on this particular issue in public fora and with the highest authorities, I have done so with responsibility and insistence. And I am determined to continue to do so. What I ask from my fellow residents, and not only, is to join us in this awareness raising campaign with the aim and hope of acquiring tangible results and settling the matter once and for all.