The Msida traffic lights were not working on February 10. This was great as I was able to drive straight through Msida with no delay, not a single car in sight, no traffic jams, nothing.

Such a relief and a refreshing experience being able to drive freely multiple times through Msida (this only happens when traffic lights are not functioning regardless if it is a holiday or not).

Are there too many traffic lights in Malta? Are many traffic lights really necessary?

It’s ironic but it seems traffic lights actually create more traffic jams and delay. Surely zebra crossings are an adequate replacement, at least for pedestrian traffic lights.

A national government/Transport Malta awareness campaign to educate drivers about zebra crossings would be in order. Many motorists do not seem to be aware that cars (apart from obviously stopping) should always slow down when approaching a zebra crossing.

Perhaps a controlled experiment should take place, over one or two days, switching off the traffic lights in some busy locations. Then the question of whether traffic lights help or hinder the flow of traffic may be answered.

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