Major traffic problems would be created by a proposed massive development in the St George’s Bay area, further exacerbating the suffering of residents and motorists, according to traffic experts and mayors.

Taxpayers may also have to fund a totally new access road into St Julian’s, traffic expert Hugh Arnett warned.

Congestion would be further amplified by this project – estimated to take five years to complete – as the St George’s Bay area was already saturated during weekends, he added.

Developer Anton Camilleri, known as Tal-Franċiz, a council member of the Malta Developers Association, has filed an application in the name of Garnet Investments Limited for a development which will stretch from the top of the promenade where St George’s Bay Hotel is located, down to the bay including the gardens of the protected Villa Rosa, and also Cresta Quay where a new hotel would be built.

Traffic expert Joe Micallef Stafrace echoed Mr Arnett’s concerns.

“Where there’s a high concentration of development, traffic congestion is inevitable. Providing parking spaces is good, but people still need to drive to them,” he said.

Swieqi mayor Noel Muscat expressed concern that traffic problems were already severe.

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