Access to Valletta: danger by design

Some time ago I had written an article in this newspaper (Piano, Piano) about the new vehicle access routes into Valletta. I had pointed out that a substantial number of vehicles would be forced to enter Valletta through St Mark Street which is a very narrow street. Since this street lacks sidewalks, persons who exit their property would step directly into the flow of traffic at great risk of being run over. I had also raised this issue in Parliament.

Some weeks ago bollards were fixed along one side of this street such that vehicles cannot drive close to the façades of buildings (other bollards had already been fixed on the other side of the street by the local council).

However, these bollards were fixed only a short distance away from the façades such that it is not possible for a person to pass from behind the bollards let alone a person with a pushchair or in a wheelchair.

St Mark Street is used by a considerable number of persons since it is the street leading to Marsamxett parking area as well as leading down to the Sliema ferry terminal. We therefore now have the situation of persons walking in the middle of the road since they cannot walk along the façades because of the bollards.

The measure meant to protect persons leaving their buildings has given rise to danger to persons walking in this street.

I therefore urge the authorities to take action to address this dangerous situation before it is too late.