In its efforts to shift responsibility from its own shoulders on to drivers, Transport Malta has introduced a new notice to accompany a warning traffic sign concerning pedestrians on the road in Triq il-Linja (Old Railway Track), Attard.

This new notice was introduced after this newspaper published a contribution on May 3, asking the Minister for Transport and the chairman of Transport Malta whether they were prepared to assume responsibility in case of a serious accident.

The new notice being displayed warns drivers about a “pedestrian priority strip”, even though the red painted strip on the road is hardly visible!

Transport Malta may wish to kindly indicate where in the Highway Code or the Motor Vehicle Regulations we may find such a notice. The minister and chairman are also invited to walk along this “strip” where they have a “priority” and let us know how safe they feel, particularly when walking with their back to the traffic.

According to section 17 of the Highway Code, “where no sidewalks or pavements are provided, or where these are inadequate, walk on the right of the road facing traffic”.

This is only possible at the narrow section of Triq il-Linja, when walking in one direction. If a pedestrian is walking in the direction of the former railway station, he or she may only walk on the left of the road giving his back to traffic.

There was a narrow pavement in this section of this narrow road but Transport Malta decided to remove it against the better judgement of the Attard local council.

It is not enough for Transport Malta to be creative and to introduce new notices.

While drivers need to take care of pedestrians on the road, ultimately, it is Transport Malta’s own decision to put such pedestrians on the road by removing the pavement.

The longer it takes to reinstate the pavement, the higher are the chances that a serious accident takes place.