A few months ago Transport Malta stirred a controversy when it stated that the overhead footbridge meant to enable persons to cross from one part of Qormi to the other over the Mrieħel bypass and which has been promised many years ago has been shelved because it was found to be economically unfeasible.

The indignant public reaction to this argument was that the construction of such facilities which enable the safe crossing of heavily trafficked arterial roads can never be argued on an economic basis because one cannot put a price on the loss or maiming of any one person. As a result, Transport Malta changed their argument and stated they were considering other alternatives.

All of a sudden, we are now seeing the installation of a traffic barrier all along the Mrieħel bypass. This traffic barrier is being installed on the pavement in such a manner so as not to allow enough space for persons to walk along the pavement behind the barrier. It is now quite common to see persons walking along the road since no space has been provided for them.

In reply to criticism, Transport Malta stated people had to be discouraged from walking along arterial roads and this for safety reasons. This may be so but on the other hand some persons may be forced to walk along the road if, for example, their vehicle breaks down.

We are now stuck with a ridiculous situation where this bypass is not only a danger to persons who want to cross it but also to persons who need to walk along it.

Instead of solving one problem we have ended up with two problems.

I strongly urge Transport Malta to carry out a safety assessment of this major arterial road in order to be able to implement measures to ensure persons who choose to use this road can do so in a safe environment.