Would-be traffic expert Hugh Arnett opines that Bisazza Street, in Sliema should be opened for traffic again because of the heavy traffic passing along Tower Road and Qui-si-Sana which, he states, is creating gridlock in peak hours.

I happen to use this route regularly during all hours of the day and have never experienced gridlock. In fact, the traffic moves smoothly on to the Strand, so I cannot understand why he experiences gridlock.

If I may point out, gridlock existed when traffic used to pass through Bisazza Street with cars stuck in a queue as far back as the Fortizza to be able to come out onto the Strand. And one has to remember also the fumes, noise and hooting of horns by impatient motorists in a comparatively narrow street as Bisazza Street, to the detriment of residents and passers-by.

The pedestrianisation of Bisazza Street was a great plus for the environment and the health of the people, besides providing an ideal place for shopping for families without the risk of being run over. Any developments in the vicinity should never be used to compromise the tranquillity provided by a pedestrianised Bisazza Street.

I therefore invite the traffic experts to come up with better ideas and not fall victim to any possible pressure by certain lobbies that surface now and then clamouring for the depedestrianisation of Bisazza Street.