The planning and the tourism authorities "do not care" about pedestrians or accessible urban infrastructure, the Greens said on Saturday during a press conference in Gżira.
This lack of concern had the blessing of the government because the Prime Minister himself said that commerce trumped all, AD insisted.
AD's comments follow that of Gżira mayor Conrad Borg Manché, who recently underlined the dangers of having pavement bars and restaurants next to a main road.
More than 20 outlets now have a permit for outdoor areas on the stretch of the Strand from Manoel Island bridge to the Ferries, over a dozen of which were given their permits last year.
Instead of encouraging people to walk or cycle, the promenade has been transformed into an obstacle course and dangerous roads
Mr Borg Manché was speaking to Times of Malta in the context of two developments which have brought the issue back to the fore: the car which swerved onto the pavement on July 6, killing a 25-year-old Dutchman, and injuring seven others; and the decision on August 20 by the Administrative Review Tribunal which means the Waterfront Hotel will not be able to set up tables and chairs outside.
Watch: Gżira mayor warns of bars, restaurants on main roads
AD spokesman Ralph Cassar said on Saturday that the situation in Gżira was a free-for-all: residences were blocked, trash cluttered pavements, accessibility hindered and enforcement lacking.
"As a consequence of double parking, taxis, tourist coaches and route buses have to stop in the middle of the road to allow passengers to alight.
"Instead of encouraging people to walk or cycle, the promenade has been transformed into an obstacle course and dangerous roads."
AD chairman Carmel Cacopardo noted that the authorities expected pedestrians to share the road with oncoming traffic, as businesses were allowed to occupy the pavements, even taking up unloading bays.
"The planning authority cannot continue endangering lives, and turning residents into prisoners of surrounding businesses.
"Local councils should not only be consulted, but also be involved in decisions about urban infrastructure... and tourism authorities, which are only interested in the tourism industry, should be subject to policies drawn up by the local councils themselves," he added.