It has now become clear that the pedestrianisation of Bisazza Street, Sliema, was a big mistake. To totally pedestrianise less than a kilometre of road in Bisazza Street, a traffic jungle has been created in many kilometres of road along the Qui-Si-Sana and Tigné seafronts. Traffic has also been noted to increase in other parts of inner Sliema.

One cannot deny that Bisazza Street looks better now but in projects like these one has to weigh the benefits and the costs. The main benefit is an embellished short stretch of road but the cost of this is increased pollution and traffic congestion along two very beautiful seafronts.

There is also an added cost to drivers due to the extended stretch of road through the Tigné tunnel. Bisazza Street was a very convenient short cut for all those wanting to exit from Sliema towards Gżira.

What renders the whole project particularly undesirable is that Bisazza Street residents, Qui-Si-Sana and Tigné residents and most retailers operating from Bisazza Street are against the pedestrianisation of this street, as has been manifested during a recent meeting of the Sliema Residents’ Association.

The best solution would seem to be the reopening of Bisazza Street to all traffic, not just buses. The pavements are wide enough to allow a degree of pedestrianisation.

This will be to the benefit of many residents in the Qui-Si-Sana and Tigné areas as well as to business in Bisazza Street – the major stakeholders relating to this project.