New one-way signs in Ibraġġ Road, which cuts across from San Ġwann to Swieqi, were stolen on two occasions probably by disgruntled motorists objecting to the new traffic arrangement, the Transport Ministry said.
Until a few weeks ago the road – a popular shortcut between the villages – was open to traffic in both directions. However, traffic often got stuck in the narrower sections, especially when heavy vehicles drive through, blocking the flow in both directions. That would often require a chain of cars, stuck in the jam, to simultaneously reverse to free up the road.
Following consultation with local councils, Transport Malta recently decided to make the road one-way. Now, cars can no longer access the road from San Ġwann – near the Tal-Balal roundabout, close to the Liquid club. One-way signs have been put up – one on either side of the road – indicating the new arrangement.
Even when the signs were still in place, some motorists openly ignored them
However, on Monday the signs went missing for the second time since they were installed last month, much to the confusion of motorists who were not sure whether or not they could drive through.
Swieqi deputy mayor Justin Fenech said the council had mixed feedback about the new arrangement. Many enjoyed not getting stuck in the narrow parts while some resented having to re-programme their daily routes.
The biggest problem, he said, was lack of enforcement. Even when the signs were still in place, some motorists openly ignored them, he said.
San Ġwann local council’s executive secretary Kurt Guillaumier agreed there was a problem with enforcement. Unfortunately, he said, while the Naxxar and Swieqi local councils had been consulted, the San Ġwann council was not due to a misunderstanding because Transport Malta was not aware that part of Ibraġġ Road fell under locality. While the council did not necessarily object to the changes, he said, one of the problems was that trucks could no longer access the quarries located in Ibraġġ Road. Signs reading “no heavy vehicles” remained posted along the only alternative route.
One-way signs have also been put up in St Catherine Road (linking Naxxar to Swieqi through Madliena Road and other branching roads). Cars can only access St Catherine Road from the Naxxar side located near the Bali Stuff shop. Traffic signs there were also stolen and vandalised, Transport Malta said.
Mr Guillaumier said he suggested holding an on-site meeting with Transport Malta and all local councils involved.