Some zebra crossings in arterial roads still do not come with flush ramps, which is a requirement in the Access for All Design Guidelines issued by the National Commission Persons with Disability. One example is that at Triq ix-Xatt, in Cospicua, near the chapel. This is resulting in lack of proper access to mobility-impaired people, wheelchair users and parents with children in buggies. They have to walk in the middle of the two-way street along with the vehicles, risking injury.

Unbearably loud

Residents and tourists in the vicinity of the San Antonio Hotel in Qawra have complained of noise pollution from the construction site. Work at the site is supposed to take place between 7am and 9pm. However, it has been reported to have started anywhere from 6am and has continued as late as 2.20am the following day on several occasions. The police have been called in and taken action. But why are the contractors not made to uphold their permits once and for all?

Where are the wardens?

Wardens seem to have become a rare commodity in recent days, especially in the Msida area. Cars are blatantly ignoring the one-way system at the bottom of Guardamangia Hill and exiting at Marina Street all the time. Parking near the Junior College has gone wild in the afternoons, especially when parents come to collect their children. Two years ago there was a camera that did a wonderful job. It was removed when the drama school was being built and never replaced. A few regular visits would leave great dividends.

Free access to all

One of the side doors of the Empire Stadium in Gżira has been broken. The place is being used by drug users who get in by gaining access through this hole. The stadium owners have been asked to close it but no action has yet been taken and neighbours are worried.

Bus smoking

The driver of the bus from Ċirkewwa to Sliema, which left Ċirkewwa at about 8.30am on February 22, started smoking while driving through Salina. Commuters were hoping this was not a sign of things to come.

Health hazard

Parents are all the time insisting that their children wash their hands, especially after using the bathroom. However, who would blame parents from disencouraging their children from washing their hands at the Ta’ Qali children’s park? The rusty sinks might actually present a bigger health hazard than unclean hands.

If you have any item for On The Dot, send it to onthedot@timesofmalta.com. Please include all particulars, especially a contact telephone number. Items are sent under the express understanding and condition that the editor may, and is authorised to, disclose any/all of the personal information mentioned above to any person or entity requesting the information for the purposes of legal action on grounds that such person or entity feels aggrieved by the item published.