Editorial

The poor state of Malta's road network is beginning to hurt in a way that goes much deeper than the mere frustration experienced by road users. Recent reports on the country's performance in tourism confirm that the poor state of the roads is a factor that is not endearing Malta with tourists on whom it depends so much for its economic prosperity.

This is one of the issues that have defeated successive Administrations even if, to be fair, some progress has been made. Unfortunately, a series of initiatives announced by the government and aimed to improve the quality and safety of roads have, once again, been greeted with a large dose of cynicism by the long-suffering road users.

The privatisation of the management of the road network was announced in a way that has caused a certain amount of confusion about the government's real intentions. The minister responsible for transport admitted that the quality of roads is unacceptable. One would be justified to conclude that this implied that the problem is due to the failure of the road network management function within the government itself and the agency responsible for transport.

The solution proposed raises a number of questions. If the government intends to grant a long-term contract to private operators to build, maintain, finance and improve the road network, what will be the in-built safeguards in such a contract to ensure that the public's interest is protected at all times?

If there is one thing that is worse for the consumer than a pubic monopoly it must be a private monopoly. If the government has so far been unable to enforce effectively penalty clauses in public contracts granted to contractors for road building how can one believe that it will enforce compliance when a private contractor is given a long-term contract for ensuring that the quality of roads is consistently high?

Perhaps even more worrying than this initiative is the one relating to the installation of more speed cameras - some real and others just dummies -intended to inhibit people from overspeeding. The government has endeavoured to explain that the only reason for this is enhanced road safety. Yet, not all are convinced.

If road safety is the real reason behind this new initiative, which the Malta Transport Authority (ADT) seems to be pursuing with the kind of zeal that is arguably lacking in other areas of its functions, why not also insist on the enforcement of other life-saving traffic regulations that have largely fallen in disuse? How about, for instance, carrying more breathalysing tests to deter people from driving when they have had too much to drink? It is a statistical fact that a large number of serious accidents occur because the drivers are under the influence of alcohol.

The credibility of the government in proposing such initiatives is being tested. With the poor quality of roads straining the patience and pockets of drivers, more needs to be done to convince people that the long-heralded reforms in the management of Malta's road network and driving standards are indeed meant to bring about improvements in this important aspect of people's everyday lives. Motorists still suspect the ADT has found an easy way of solving any "cash flow" problems it may have.

Malta badly needs a credible transport strategy covering issues ranging from road quality and driving standards to the convenience of public transport. Only a coherent and comprehensive plan can inspire confidence in those who use roads out of necessity.