Rush hour traffic in Sliema and Gżira ground to a halt yesterday morning due to road works taking place near KFC restaurant in Gżira.

Workers were digging up one side of the road, which meant traffic going in both directions was passing through a single lane.

Commuters were diverted through other streets in Sliema causing further traffic jams and forcing people to show up late for work.

At one point tailbacks stretched as far back as the Fortizza.

When contacted, the Gżira local council said the workers were resurfacing a trench on the instruction of the authorities.

According to a proposed strategy to address climate change launched last week, road repair and maintenance works should not take place during peak traffic hours. Drivers will be hoping this proposal is implemented sooner rather than later.