A decision to reconsider
The pedestrianization of Bisazza Street, in Sliema has been a big mistake. It is unnecessarily forcing traffic from Tower Road going towards Gżira to go through the tunnel, when Bisazza Street offered such a short cut. As a result, two beautiful stretches of coastline, namely Qui-si-Sana and Tigné seafronts, have been turned into two heavily congested main roads. In particular, Tigné Seafront has become one of the most polluted streets in Sliema.
In addition, those driving towards Gżira and are not interested in visiting the Mall incur extra cost of petrol and waste their time going through the tunnel.
I have talked to shop owners and residents in Bisazza Street and the general remark was that the pedestrianization of the street was not welcome. The same views were expressed by many residents in the Tigné area. Some questioned whether the street was closed to traffic so as to give an advantage to the Mall at Tigné Point.
I am not sure whether this is true but if so the quality of life of the residents of the Qui-si-Sana and Tigné areas has been sacrificed for the benefit of the Mall shop owners.
It would have been much better had Qui-si-Sana and Tigné seafronts been partly pedestrianized, leaving one side of the road for one-way traffic, flowing from Tower Road and exiting at the Ferries towards Gżira, thereby still permitting, but not forcing, traffic to pass by the Mall at Tigné Point.
Another thing. Bisazza Street is a downhill stretch of road and not attractive for an enjoyable walk. On the contrary, pedestrianizing half of Qui-si-Sana and Tigné seafronts, which are relatively flat and have stunning sea views, will be a much better idea and will surely result in a major attraction for Maltese and tourists alike.
The Government should consider de-pedestrianizing Bisazza Street and pedestrianizing half of Qui-si-Sana and Tigné seafronts.
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Simon Robinson
Nov 13th 2012, 12:49
We should just boycott Sliema all together. The same way as most people are with Valletta now.
James Wightman
Nov 12th 2012, 21:01
Perhaps the ideal compromise is Bisazza street to become a 'shared space', allowing all traffic, perhaps diverting larger and commercial vehicles through the tunnels? Just an idea.
Henry S Pace
Nov 12th 2012, 20:24
' The Government should consider de-pedestrianizing Bisazza Street and pedestrianizing half of Qui-si-Sana and Tigné seafronts.'
This is an egoistc mentally.
This suggesation that traffic was to pass to the Strand via Qui-si-Sana has ben envisaged long tim ago well before the developers established The Mall.
However this was obstructed by the previous Bus Company
Mr Simon Camilleri
Nov 12th 2012, 19:09
Pedestrianisation was bulldozed in, without the consultation promised by the PM & with the SLC denying all knowledge to residents while simultaneously negotiating with the business community. Dragut, Locker & especially St Anthony Street now take more traffic than the tunnel. Parking is allowed on the roundabout & the centrestrip prevents traffic overtaking buses on stops. The place is a shambles
Anne psaila
Nov 12th 2012, 17:56
Tigne and Qui-si-Sana agree now ruined, quality of life sacrificed for financial gain, to line the pockets of wealthy developers who live elsewhere. Manoel Island is left.. Not for long! Moving traffic from one road to another is not clever or a just solution. This letter is a wise suggestion. Where are the cycle lanes stipulated by EU for new roads? - no profit in these except a better life...
G G Debono
Nov 12th 2012, 19:29
Anne -- Absolutely correct !
couldn't agree more !
The Gzira front has now fallen victim - road widened for more parking and pavements and creating enough space for the Arrivia - so = less space for pedestrians and bicycles.
Unhealthier and unheathier !
Henry S Pace
Nov 12th 2012, 17:16
' the quality of life of the residents of the Qui-si-Sana and Tigné areas has been sacrificed for the benefit of the Mall shop owners '
By the way the people of that area are not privileged more than other residents in Sliema.
Profs Brigulio has to know that the thoroughfare through the Strand via Qui-si-Sana has long been envisaged well before the Profs came to live in Sliema.
.
Mr Dylan Olliver
Nov 12th 2012, 16:27
I totally disagree with Mr Briguglio. I think that this is the best solution. And Bisazza Street is now really enjoyable.
Adrian Borg Olivier
Nov 12th 2012, 17:33
Best solution for who ? Maybe shoppers or tourists but how about area residents and their quality of life which has been turned upside down.
And "enjoyable" ? to walk up and down and see the same shop windows ? It's not like you're carousing the Champs d'Elysee.
Get serious !
Pippo de Marco
Nov 12th 2012, 15:37
You say, "Some questioned whether the street was closed to traffic so as to give an advantage to the Mall at Tigné Point."
Was that ever in doubt?
I can't imagine why, but whenever I look around at the ever-changing, endlessly uglifying townscape, a couple of sayings invariably come to mind...
'In war, the first casualty in the truth' and 'He who pays the piper ...'
Mr Duncan Scerri
Nov 12th 2012, 12:48
How about a Paceville <-> Ta' Xbiex tram line?
edward fenech
Nov 12th 2012, 11:40
Over the years I have lived in Tower Road and have worked in Bisazza Street. The present situation is the best one even though it may have change the life to a small degree to residence of Qui-si-Sana and Tigné.
Adrian Borg Olivier
Nov 12th 2012, 15:22
Your having lived in Tower Road and worked in Bisazza street does not really qualify you to judge the degree to which the life of residents of quisisana has been affected.
As a resident i can tell you that Mr Briguglio's assessment is pretty accurate The aesthetic improvement brought about by the new garden does not make up for the noise and pollution that has been inflicted on residents.
R. Azzopardi
Nov 12th 2012, 11:34
Heavily congested? I beg to differ. I lived on the Strand between 1994 and May this year. Between 1997 and 2000 (when i started to drive), I always returned home via the coast road however I pereferred to take the long route via Tigne than Bisazza street because it was faster. When the Tigne point project started, I had to revert to the regional road because bisazza street was always jammed.
PAUL BUSUTTIL
Nov 12th 2012, 10:38
Now now lets not go upsetting the powers that be after all the haggling and back stabbing that went on to get this street pedestrianized!!!
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