Traffic control exercise backfires badly in Msida

Drivers may no longer be able to use the small flyover at Msida circus as a shortcut into Gżira, via Rue d’Argens, because the lane may be sectioned off to prohibit a left turn and only allow traffic to head towards Valletta.

In fact, sealing off the lane was tried on Wednesday using water-filled plastic barriers – an exercise that had not been announced and caused a headache to hundreds of drivers who got stuck in long tailbacks.

But the traffic jams and confusion that reigned during the day were also caused by drivers’ lack of discipline and ignorance of road signs, Assistant Commissioner Josie Brincat insisted.

“That flyover is only meant to be used for people who want to drive towards Msida or to Valletta and not as a shortcut to drive up into Rue d’Argens,” he explained.

The lane leading to the flyover is clearly marked with white paint, just beyond the Msida traffic lights, as being the one drivers must use if heading to Valletta. Overhead, a large blue traffic sign calls on drivers to choose their lane. Also, a large sign was placed at the very beginning of the flyover this week, clearly telling drivers that it was for Valletta only, Mr Brincat explained.

However, many drivers ignore instructions and bypass the two sets of traffic lights that lie opposite the Regional Road leading up to the University roundabout. Drivers heading to Gżira are meant to pass through the right-hand lights and not the flyover.

“Many drivers who want to turn into Rue D’Argens don’t use the traffic lights but use the flyover instead and then try to turn left, which is a very dangerous manoeuvre,” he said. Not only does it cause “great inconvenience” to motorists on the other two lanes but also jams the traffic flow.

To make matters worse, the parking spaces in front of the Labour Party club prevent buses from docking neatly into the bus stop, further snarling the traffic, and a pedestrian crossing just beyond the police station is positioned on a four-lane bend.

The flyover will not be sealed off completely because it is the only road that drivers can resort to when the area is flooded with rainwater. Mr Brincat explained that a small wall around two inches high or removable bollards may be placed on the road just off the flyover as the lane passes by perpendicular to Rue d’Argens.

Another two vital factors that were needed was an educational campaign and traffic lights properly timed to prevent long queues of cars leading up to the University roundabout, he said.

He could not describe Wednesday’s “trial” as a success or failure, because it was still early to say. However, the final decision would be taken by Transport Malta, as the competent authority, following discussions and consultations.

Although he did mention the trial exercise on a radio programme 10 days earlier, Mr Brincat admitted that perhaps they could have been more proactive in informing the public about sealing the flyover.

Msida Mayor Clifton Grima said the council was not consulted and informed about the sealing of the flyover, which had caused a lot of traffic.

“However, the residents live in a highly polluted environment and the council will take note of each measure that will help improve the traffic flow in the area,” he said.