Road landscaping creates dangers

It has become common practice for local councils, Transport Malta, the central government and other administrative bodies to entrust the embellishment of traffic islands, centre strips, and roundabouts to landscaping contractors.

These service providers comply with their contractual obligations by planting bushes and trees, generally palm trees, at vantage points pleasing to the eye as the trade demands. Little thought, if any, is given to other circumstances which may badly affect passing traffic. In several instances upkeep is minimal or non-existent.

Overgrown bushes and trees obstruct the view of oncoming traffic, especially when approaching a roundabout. Palm trees planted at the far end of traffic islands or centre strips obstruct the view of oncoming traffic thus obliging drivers to drive further out onto the road to see whether it is safe to proceed further.

These obstructions are a common sight throughout Malta. Perhaps the authorities concerned are happy with the embellishment provided, little caring about the traffic hazards these trees are incidentally creating.

When we decide to embellish the environment, this should be done with some thought to ensure no danger is created. Service providers are perhaps unqualified to assess any inconvenience caused to passing traffic.

It is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure that any work entrusted to landscaping contractors does not create any danger. It is absolutely unacceptable to have your view of oncoming traffic obstructed by a trunk or branches of a palm tree.

To start with, trees at the end of traffic islands or centre strips opposite roundabouts should be removed immediately, leaving a clearance of at least two metres. Nothing should be planted which could obstruct the view of oncoming traffic.

Transport Malta should strive to honour its mission statement of ensuring road safety.