Pilot pedestrian project at Buġibba promenade
Access to the promenade in Buġibba, from the quay to Ħalel Street, is to be restricted to pedestrians during the evening this weekend and on the following two, with traffic being diverted as part of a pilot project by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA),...
Access to the promenade in Buġibba, from the quay to Ħalel Street, is to be restricted to pedestrians during the evening this weekend and on the following two, with traffic being diverted as part of a pilot project by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), the St Paul's Bay local council and the St Paul's Bay Bars and Restaurants Association.
The traffic restrictions will last from 8.30 p.m. till midnight. They were tested over the weekend of Santa Marija, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Mario de Marco said yesterday.
The feedback was "good overall", with various outlets registering an increase in custom, he added.
Parking arrangements have been made, he explained, and an agreement was struck with the Sirens Club allowing visitors to park near the club for €3.50.
A free bus shuttle service will run from the Sirens parking area, stopping at the parking place near Ta' Fra Ben, and moving on to the centre of Buġibba.
Residents with garages in the pedestrian zone will be permitted access.
The MTA plans to organise various activities for the duration of the pilot project, including Maltese traditional music, folk singing, face painting, animators and performances by a bag-pipe band.
Due to problems in establishing alternative routes, public transport buses will still give their service to the Buġibba promenade along normal routes.
To safeguard against accidents, speed will be restricted to 10km/h. This will be enforced by two police officers and wardens.
The pilot project, Dr de Marco said, was aimed at improving both "the commercial and residential aspects" of Buġibba.
In four weeks' time, a meeting will be held to determine whether the experiment will be applied in the coming summer periods. He did not exclude the possibility that similar projects would be carried out in winter when Buġibba will be quieter.