A press release a few days ago from Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar highlighted the fact that the total lack of planning in closing off Bisazza Street before the Tigné tunnel is open is causing constant traffic jams in Qui-si-Sana and Savoy, which are filling homes with toxic exhaust fumes. Furthermore, the NGO claimed that the local plan guidelines to redirect new development away from the town towards outlying areas have been ignored for years, with the result that traffic pollution has increased uncontrollably.

Let us not forget that other streets in central Sliema are also being affected very badly by systematic gridlock and air pollution, both unacceptable in this day and age. A case in point is the recent Malta Environment and Planning permit to build a large block of flats in Għar id-Dud Street with about 12 cars exiting on this narrow street which shall cause serious traffic problems.

This example of Mepa’s bad urban planning risks being repeated at the notoriously busy Tlett Siġriet junction of High Street, Dingli Street, Rudolph Street and St Mary Street, should a proposed development of Villa Degiorgio be accepted by the Mepa board.

We are especially concerned by the fact that the Malta Transport Authority has given this block its blessing, failing to enter into the merits of the generation of extra traffic in this area which is already snarled by gridlock several times a day.

It is vital that issues of heavy traffic generation, traffic flow, air pollution and safety to pedestrians are given their fundamental and just importance during all deliberations at Mepa committees and boards.