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 – 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 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 were put up – one on either side of the road – indicating the new arrangement.

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, he said.

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.

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