Francis Farrugia, Ta’ Xbiex
Dangerous zebra crossing
Just beyond the resurfacing of Abate Rigord Street down from the Ta’ Xbiex roundabout to Msida Wharf there is a zebra crossing joining the housing estate to Triq l-Imrad, where the local council is located.The danger is here.
Cars are allowed to park just up to the upper edge of the zebra crossing, thus hiding to pedestrians the trafic coming down from Ta’ Xbiex, unless, that is, they take a look from the middle of the road on both sides of Abate Rigord Street!
The obstruction of the view of trafic coming down Abate Rigord Street has created a dangerous spot once cars are parked just at the upper edge of the zebra crossing. An easy remedy is called for: forbidding three or more cars from parking. Such a move will clear the view without having to expose pedestrians to the danger of being run over when crossing the street because the view is obstructed.
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John Meli
Feb 3rd, 15:30
This is not the one Zebra lines that are dangerous. There are one opposite the former EU Commission Office in Ta; Xbiex Coast Road (seafront) near or opposite the Gzira Gardens which was asphalted and never repainted again. This road is very dangerous to cross and too big, it needs also lights so that maybe some of the passing vehicles might stop.
Another one is close to the Black Peal Restaurant or opposite the Greek Embassy. This zebra Crossing near the steps towards the embassy had fainted out and is no longer visible, and even so unless there is a light in this one too, drivers won't stop and if you cross you would be risking your life.
The other one is opposite St. Paul's mansion (flats) which also had faded and needs lights too.
The local council were informed so where Transport Malta, but no one took any action and residents and the general public which frequent the four most popular restaurants are at risk. One hopes that someone takes action and get further protection to the general public.
James Wightman
Feb 4th, 07:52
What is this a worst zebra crossing competition? Why don't you start an advocacy group (pressure group) for pedestrians and safer roads?
BTW a 20KPH buffer zone around urban / lower speed roads would help.
Wenzu Vella
Feb 3rd, 13:48
How can you have zebra crossings in Malta when we all know for sure that there are no zebras in Malta.
I would think that these crossings are for people to cross a road or an-intersection safely. In this situation the people are called PEDESTRIANS they cross on a defined marked strip from one side to the other of the road that gives them the right of way over on coming traffic. So why keep calling it a zebra crossing when it should be called a PEDESTRIAN CROSSING.
John Meli
Feb 3rd, 16:18
in Australia and in the UK which has the lollipop men or women (crossing guards) frequently attend zebra crossings in school hours. In Hong Kong it is called "Tiger Crossing" and this being a former British colony they painted them in yellow and black.
But the majority they are called Zebra Crossing, and then in the Wikipedia it also calls it a Zebra.........."A zebra crossing is a type of pedestrian crossing used in many places around the world. Its distinguishing feature is alternating dark and light stripes on the road surface, from which it derives its name. A zebra crossing typically gives extra rights of way to pedestrians."
Wenzu Vella
Feb 4th, 07:34
Mr Meli the lollypop people you mentioned in Australia are only used for CHILDREN CROSSINGS ONLY. And this procedure is only used an-hour before and for an-hour from after schools dismiss the children. Pedestrian crossings are not manned by lollypop people.
James Wightman
Feb 4th, 07:49
Wenzu a pedestrian crossing could also be a pelican... Call it what everyone's been calling it for years there's a good chap.