I would like to draw the attention of the pertinent authority that in Attard, precisely in the two-way street adjacent to the residence of the American Ambassador (Villa Bologna), a couple of wardens are setting themselves up in the middle of the street to entrap motorists who could not possibly be wary of the traffic sign, making the passing a one-way street only from 7 to 9 a.m.

Firstly, drivers’ minds are set to consider the street as a regular two-way conduit. Secondly, the sign happens to be placed in the precarious sharp corner where drivers’ attention must perforce be focused on the oncoming traffic. There is no way one can notice a sign with text a paragraph long to advertise a temporary change in traffic direction when negotiating that corner.

Given such haphazard traffic arrangements, it would make sense for the wardens to station themselves at the entrance of the street, precisely under the sign

to reinforce the order and to generally redirect unwary drivers and bring to their attention that oncoming traffic could not enter for the duration.

But whoever heard of courtesy or common sense? They defiantly place themselves in a position where the driver cannot rectify his mistake, proceeds into a well-laid trap and gets booked.

This is nothing but shameful and is a show of open and utter disrespect to the public. I can’t be sure whether such shenanigans come out of the puerile mentality of a couple of wardens or whether it is the intended strategy of the authority that employs them. Whatever it is, the public deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and traffic officers should be there to inform people not to nab them when they are going about their private lives blissfully, unaware they are being baited.

I look forward to seeing these wardens relocated near the mouth of the street, courteously making motorists aware of the traffic arrangements in place. This would indeed be a sign of good grace and common sense from the pertinent authorities.