The large stone blocks being used to cordon off major roadworks are “an accident waiting to happen”, according to traffic experts.

Metre-high blocks have become commonplace along several roads where works are taking place, such as on the Coast Road and at Msida junction.

Traffic consultant Hugh Arnett said they should be exchanged with the specially designed barriers already used on some of the smaller operations.

Known as jersey barriers, they are easily distinguishable from their angled base and are usually made of concrete or reinforced plastic. Their shape is designed to cushion the impact of an oncoming vehicle. 

Joe Zammit, a court traffic expert specialised in road mechanics, recalled how he had been called in to investigate an accident a few years ago when a motorist had died after driving head-on into one of the blocks near the airport.

The driver had just left a wedding and slammed into the block that was being used in a tunnel in Luqa.

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