The Government will hold consultations with the intention of banning heavy commercial vehicles and horses from the roads during the rush hours, Finance Minister Edward Scicluna said during the Budget speech this evening.

He said that in the medium term, the Government would also prioritise work on traffic arteries, particularly the new Kappara junction, on which work would be taken in hand next year.

For the longer term, the government would consider new methods of transport. A study on a bridge between Malta and Gozo was already being conducted. An application for EU funds would be made for a study on the feasibility of a tunnel.

UNDERGROUND SYSTEM

The government would also launch studies on other methods such as an underground system, a monorail of sea transport.

Prof Scicluna said the Government was also working on the provision of more parking facilities.

VALLETTA PARKING

Furthermore, from next month, parking in Valletta will be free every day after 2pm and all day on Saturdays and Sundays.

Prof Scicluna described the Government’s talks with Arriva as ‘very delicate’

The form and future of public transport in Malta depends on the outcome of these talks,” he said.

REFUND OF VAT ON VEHICLE REGISTRATION

The Government would also launch a seven-year programme for the refund of VAT paid on vehicle registration tax between 2004 and 2008 for vehicles for personal use. €3.5m will be allocated for this purpose next year.

GOZO AIRSTRIP

A technical study and another one on the socio-economic impact of a possible airstrip in Gozo for fixed wing aircraft would also be carried out.