If a sign cautions drivers there is a side road within 100 metres, one would assume another sign closer to the concealed exit would indicate a shorter distance, say 50 metres. But anyone driving down the hill known as It-Telgħa t’Alla u Ommu might be surprised to notice that, according to the road signs, driving closer to the exit does not shorten the distance.

Caution signs displaying exclamation marks, close to the concealed exit signs, pretty much highlight the confusion that goes through a motorist’s mind while driving through the road linking the Salini area to Naxxar.

In the stretch of a few metres, motorists come across a caution sign, followed by another indicating there is a side road to the left within 100 metres, another caution sign, and then another side road within 100 metres sign.

If you are going uphill, drivers see a sign saying the road will narrow within 60 metres. And as they take the bend, the distance remains unchanged as an identical sign insists on the 60-metre distance.

The signs appear to be spanking new.

Questions sent to Malta Transport on Tuesday morning remained unanswered at the time of writing.