The situation in Triq il-Madonna Tal-Ħniena, Żejtun, has become dangerous. People are driving on the pavements of the narrow street and those flagrantly abusing the law then act as police to assist the traffic. Where are the police and wardens when they are needed?
Excessive parking charges
The charges at the Capua/Victoria Hotel car park have become out of proportion. One user was charged €3.60 for attending a doctor’s visit at Capua St James, which also included hospital fees. The parking fee was almost 10 per cent of the consultant’s fee.
Promenade flags
Two of the flags hoisted on the shiny stainless steel poles at Marsalforn promenade have their edges in tatters and fading colours, and the Maltese flag needs a good wash and rinse, as it looks more grey and red than white and red. If such a simple thing is a challenge to keep, what about the big jobs?
Wheelchair hurdles
While the temporary pedestrian bridge in Qormi is a boon to pedestrians and cyclists, Qormi being a bit of a hub for the latter commuters, it is not clear if someone at Transport Malta thought long and hard about how a pushchair or wheelchair user would negotiate it. Are we seriously expecting someone in a wheelchair to just wheel themselves to the next bridge?
Right of way
Why do the drivers of delivery vans/trucks and refuse collection vehicles seem to arrogate to themselves the right to block roads as they please? A motorist parking his car wrongly but in no way affecting the traffic flow is sure to be booked by some warden hiding in the shadows, but these ‘kings of the road’ reign supreme. With impunity, of course.
Light view
The traffic lights lantern near Apap Institute in St Joseph High Road, Ħamrun, is almost completely blocked from the view of motorists heading towards Valletta – by a tree. The tree needs some urgent pruning because it might cause some nasty, if not tragic, accident.
Road craters
The tarmac in Gozo Road, Qawra, has disintegrated and hollowed out. The end result is huge craters in the street making a drive feel like a luna park ride. How long will it take to resurface it?
No access
Behind the stage at the newly-opened Royal Theatre Square, in Valletta, on the side of the church of Our Lady of Victory, is a very visible sign with black lettering on an orange background. It reads: “Access to Republic Street and Zachary Street through here” with a big black arrow below showing the way to... a stone pillar. Could it not be covered? Unless there is a purpose for it, that is.
Tragedy in waiting
The photo taken on August 20 shows a precarious fence which in part is held in place by a few boulders. On the other side of the fence is a three-storey deep quarry overlooking Meridiana vineyards, in the car park next to where the vegetable market is set up in Ta’ Qali. Has this danger been brought to the attention of the authorities? How come nothing has been done about it? The area is also frequented by car-learner drivers who often practise in this lot, as well as young children using bikes and scooters. Should we wait for a tragedy before action is taken?
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