More than 1,200 road signs, bus stops and other street furniture have been replaced so far this year, “the majority” of them having been destroyed by motorists.

Transport Minister Joe Mizzi said the damage was mainly caused by motorists who were either driving under the influence of alcohol or while using mobile phones. There were also cases of vandalism, items being damaged during construction works or simply weathered.

“In some cases, we have even had to replace items that had just been installed a few weeks earlier,” he said.  

Filling potholes are another major expense for the transport authorities.

Mr Mizzi said the government had recently reviewed the method used to fill potholes because the need to constantly relay damaged patches was draining infrastructure funds. He said the government had introduced a hot asphalt system in May that was yielding results. 

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