Drivers trying to make their way to South Street and the Hastings area in Valletta may do so through a quicker route following traffic direction changes that will come into effect tomorrow.

The route will be four times shorter as vehicles entering Valletta from St Mark Street will have the option of turning right towards the Hastings area or left towards the lower part of Valletta.

Unlike the current directions, traffic descending from St Mark Street will be able to turn right, down Old Bakery Street and into South Street.

The lower parts of Valletta can still be accessed by turning left once out of St Mark Street and into Old Bakery Street.

Valletta mayor Alexiei Dingli said the changes would give residents and users better access while shortening the route from St Mark Street to South Street.

“As things stand, there was only one, 800-metre route to get from St Mark Street to South Street. If there was some sort of blockage, it would clog up the area. With the new traffic directions, that route is shortened to 200 metres.”

From Hastings, traffic could exit down Old Mint Street, he said.

Part of the road (which is surfaced with concrete and not asphalt) is very steep and will be closed to heavy vehicles. These may instead pass from South Street, down St Andrew’s Street and Melita Street.

The council hopes to open Ordnance Street (from St Paul Street) once the new Parliament building is complete. “Nothing is cast in stone so we’ll be gathering feedback and fine-tune accordingly.”

Traffic wardens will be present for the first week of the changes to guide drivers.