David Schembri
Too close for comfort?
Photo: Matthew Mirabelli
Pedestrians are questioning the wisdom of moving the Ġlormu Cassar avenue pedestrian crossing closer to the roundabout in Floriana, as several complained of close shaves with vehicles that failed to spot them.
Previously, the crossing was located further up the road, meaning drivers had more time to spot pedestrians and slow down.
UK guidelines on pedestrian crossings stipulate “pedestrians must be able to see and be seen by approaching traffic”.
The current arrangement, however, means drivers have little time to react to anybody wanting to cross the road.
“Ideally zebra crossings should not be close to roundabouts and neither to corners,” former transport minister and architect Ċensu Galea said when contacted.
Mr Galea also acknowledged that since pelican lights were introduced, drivers were increasingly ignoring normal zebra crossings. He said that pelican lights could be more effective in informing the driver they had to stop.
With the location of the crossing, however, lights may cause a problem, as traffic tails could form while waiting for the lights to turn green, potentially blocking buses trying to leave the terminus from their exit.
Asked on the decision to move the crossing yesterday, a spokesman for the Transport Ministry said the issue was a technical one and within Transport Malta’s remit.
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14 Comments
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Joseph Vassallo
Aug 29th 2011, 02:07
Quote: "Asked on the decision to move the crossing yesterday, a spokesman for the Transport Ministry said the issue was a technical one and within Transport Malta’s remit." Unquote
Translation: Asked why they moved it to there, Transport Malta replied, "Because we can".
Joseph Vassallo
Aug 29th 2011, 02:01
In Bugibba near the Cherry Tree, the crossing (what's left of it) is on the bus stop and when the bus is there, the crossing is blocked.
How's that for vision from TM?
Mr Joe Gatt
Aug 28th 2011, 15:43
To add to this Hazard, Coaches are being Parked on the Road leading up to Castille, but very close to this Pedestrian crossing, making it neccessary to cross halfway across the Road just to see if any Traffic is coming Downhill.
The situation as is, unfortunately, Is an Accident Waiting to Happen.
Mr Michael Buhagiar
Aug 28th 2011, 15:37
Drivers must surely be colour blind not to see someone crossing the road in that area. are we going crazy? Pedestrians should know that they cannot cross the road haphazardly while drivers should ALWAYS be attentive to those crossing the road. It's their responsibility.
Mr Tony Gatt
Aug 28th 2011, 23:55
Would the drivers not be looking right for oncoming cars? They could easily miss seeing the pedestrians whilst their attention was elsewhere.
Mr James Tyrrell
Aug 28th 2011, 13:12
What can one say? Only in Malta!
Mr Charles Muscat
Aug 28th 2011, 11:50
I am more interested to know why having an arrow right on the roundabout. Can anyone tell me what it's there for?
Mr James Tyrrell
Aug 28th 2011, 20:12
The arrow is to show you which way to go around the roundabout. And yes people do get it wrong as I found to my cost here in the UK about 8 years ago when I met an old lady coming towards me on a roundabout!
Mr Joe Gatt
Aug 28th 2011, 10:42
The photo just shows the Monument`s side, to add insult to injury Coaches are being allowed to Park on the Downhill Side from Castille, this is making the situation extremely dangerous, as Pedestrians have to cross Half way across the Road to see if Traffic is coming Downhill, then having to worry about other Cars coming from the Floriana Side.
This dangerous situation must be eliminated as soon as possible, before a fatality occurs.
It is Unbeleivable, How, Tax Money goes to pay the wages of such unprofessinal, uncaring and incompetent Individuals.
May I suggest that whoever came up with such a bright idea, be Chained for about 30 Minutes Halfway thru this Crossing, and then Interviewed, to see the reaction.
Should he/she last that long.
Victor Pulis
Aug 28th 2011, 10:01
Logic dictates that a zebra crossing be placed in the narrowest part of the road not at the widest.From the picture one can see that the crossing is situated close to the bend in the road where visibility is worst.
Asked on the decision to move the crossing yesterday, a spokesman for the Transport Ministry said the issue was a technical one and within Transport Malta’s remit.
That explains it then! It was a 'technical' decision(?) and the decision was
within Transport Malta's remit (??)
Just when you thought that TM had learnt some kind of lesson from the great Arriva omelette they come out and surprise us!
Joseph Vassallo
Aug 29th 2011, 02:03
Welcome to real-life Malta.
Denis A. Darmanin
Aug 28th 2011, 10:00
Very true. It is right by the curve but possibly so drivers can see the pedestrians crossing and use more decency to slow down and give way. Where the other was located, very few use to bother walking the distance and still cross at that curve. This is the same as with the other crossing going down to Crucifix Hill. Hardly anyone uses it as most cross from the shorter route on the corner bend.
Victor Pulis
Aug 28th 2011, 11:38
The fact that few were using the older crossing is no reason to place the new one at the most dangerous place. That is tantamount to condoning the stupid action of those who chose to put their lives in danger.
Mr Tony Camilleri
Aug 28th 2011, 09:29
Transport Malta destroying everything as is usual with all the authorities.
I hope the next Labour Government gets rid of all these incompetent authorities and take back everything under Government Departments.
All the authorities did was to destroy everything and vastly increase costs and taxes for the Maltese citizens to justify their management fantastic salaries.
GET RID OF THEM ALL.