Traffic in Malta seems to be increasing every day and air pollution, noise and congested streets mean a poorer quality of life.

Most of us are now addicted to our cars and very few are prepared to give them up, even though we know that cancer, asthma and stress are very common among both young and old.

We need to realise that our main transport system should be buses and not cars.

I have some suggestions, which I believe would clear our roads with immediate effect and at the least cost. With some sacrifice and a big doze of altruism from all of us, we can do it.

Pensioners should travel by bus or minibus, unless they are looking after people with disabilities. Most of them would have used the car for 40 years and it is now time to make way for the younger generation who need the car to get to work and cope with the family.

Schoolchildren over six should use safe minibuses and school buses. Parents will not be allowed to drive their children to school unless certain situations demand it. The government will heavily subsidise transport fees.

The driving age should be raised to 21.

Youngsters would be encouraged to walk and cycle. There should be more bikes lanes. This will also help solve the obesity problem.

Big cars will eventually be discouraged, unless the family has more than two children.

Tourists will have to abide by the same rules.

With fewer cars on the roads buses will work more efficiently. Over time, more schemes will follow to incentivise people to choose bus over car.

We must do something. We are killing each other softly. We have anarchy on our roads, a system that is only used by cowards.

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