The St Venera tunnels will be closed for two hours this evening, after the police granted permission to let off fireworks from a field next to this busy arterial road.

It is the first time since 2007 that such permission has been granted. While fireworks enthusiasts have hailed the decision to let off fireworks from the field between 8pm and 10pm, others were left fuming knowing it will likely lead to traffic jams.

The Sunday Times of Malta has learnt that up to 15 policemen will be involved to re-route traffic through secondary roads, even though the road closure was not mentioned on Transport Malta’s website.

Though the fireworks programme is spread over two days, no permission was sought for last night’s show. When no closure is required, organisers are only allowed to let off small petards, similar to those sent up from rooftops in built-up areas.

Contacted by The Sunday Times of Malta yesterday a representative of Għaqda tan-Nar 26 ta’ Lulju declined to comment. On the other hand, the police confirmed that the Ħamrun police station had authorised the road’s closure this evening.

With the opening of Mater Dei Hospital in 2008, the authorities had stopped granting permission amid concerns that closing this arterial road would hinder ambulances and jeopardise patients.

Five years later the new police administration seems to have had a change of heart on this issue. This is the second case in recent weeks in which fireworks enthusiasts have been granted permission to close an arterial road close to Mater Dei.

The police had also granted permission for the closure of Regional Road, just outside Tal-Qroqq Tunnels at Swatar. However, Msida fireworks enthusiasts decided not to let off any petards, as a sign of respect to two colleagues injured in a recent fireworks-related incident.

In 2008, the St Venera fireworks enthusiasts were up in arms after the authorities turned down their application 24 hours before the event.