The pedestrianisation of Bisazza Street, Sliema has created a traffic nightmare in the Tignè and Qui-si-Sana areas. Ever since this small stretch of road was closed to motorists, all sorts of traffic, including buses and heavy vehicles, have been forced to go through the Tignè tunnel and other roads in the area, unnecessarily adding tons of gas emissions.

In addition, using this roundabout route is a waste of time for many drivers, when Bisazza Street offered such a short cut.

Moreover, the pedestrianisation of Bisazza Street has not been welcomed by many members of the business community and the people living there. Bisazza Street is not even attractive as a strolling stretch, as it slopes quite heavily. As a result of the pedestrianisation of Bisazza Street, two beautiful stretches of coastline, namely Tignè and Qui-si-Sana seafronts, have been turned into traffic-congested roads. In particular, Tignè seafront, which offers one of the most picturesque seascapes in Malta, has now become one of the most polluted streets in Sliema.

If the pedestrianisation of Bisazza Street was meant to divert traffic towards The Point, to boost business in the mall there, this has been done at an enormous cost to the Tignè and Qui-si-Sana residents and the thousands of diners who patronise the numerous restaurants in these areas.

The transport authorities should seriously consider depedestrianising Bisazza Street.