I appreciate that with so many variables there will never be a single solution to the traffic problem but can’t we look 100 kilometres north and learn at least one lesson?

With very similar weather, our Italian neighbours use motorcycles and scooters far more extensively than we do here. By doing so, traffic congestion would no longer be a problem and parking would require very little planning.

It seems a shame that the use of such vehicles is not more positively encouraged with a reduction or even abolition of the annual vehicle licence, at least for smaller engines.

This, in turn, should help reduce the exorbitant third party insurance premiums that Maltese companies charge. The increase in vehicle numbers would introduce more competition between them.

I really cannot believe that the premium levels are statistically justified. However, insurers can still continue to charge them because there are so few motorcycles on the road.

A decrease in insurance and licence costs would equal more bikes.

I raise my hat in respect to those hardy few who use bicycles as a method of transport but it is not for everyone.