In cases of flooding, the ‘Valletta only’ lane should be opened to traffic crossing over from Pietà to Sliema, the Msida local council has suggested.

The council issued the statement after last week Times of Malta pointed out that because of the new traffic arrangements in the area, drivers caught in Msida during a heavy downpour could no longer avoid the worst flooded areas.

Following the changes, all Sliema-bound traffic proceeding from Pietà had to go through the traffic lights in front of the Labour Party club, as the alternative access through the raised ramp adjacent to the boċċi club has been blocked with bollards.

In the statement, the council unanimously appealed to Transport Malta to address the “pertinent concerns” regarding the new bus lane project.

One of the main concerns was the pedestrian crossing in Triq ix-Xatt. The temporary zebra crossing was removed, the lighting structure set up and lights installed. However, they had yet to start working.

“This means that pedestrians are risking their lives every time they cross this busy road,” the council said.

It added that the pavement in front of the Msida police station obstructed public buses from continuing along the newly created bus lane and forced the driver to enter the adjacent traffic lane, only to transfer back to the bus lane seconds after.

The council was also concerned about the zebra crossing in Rue D’Argens that had been moved closer to the corner.

This new position did not allow drivers coming around the bend to see the pedestrians in the process of crossing.