Malta needs fewer cars not more roads to reduce the traffic problem, Alternattiva Demokratika has said.

Speaking at a news conference in Attard, where a controversial new road is being planned, AD chairman Carmel Cacopardo said the new development would eat up agricultural land. 

"This proves that not only does the government have no plan to resolve the traffic problem but it doesn't care about agriculture," he said, pointing out that a number of farmers actually relied on the land in question.

AD councillor Ralph Cassar urged the government to come up with alternative means of transport to reduce traffic - for a start it would help if the buses to Attard stuck to their schedule. Several buses just drove past the town because they were full up, showing that there was a demand for public transport.

"It was also worrying to see cars winning over agriculture where once again land is being sacrificed to build more roads," he said.

Correction 2pm: This article was amended to note that AD called for "fewer", rather than "less", cars.