“Whoever Says They Can Solve Traffic With A Magic Wand Is Inventing”, Says Joseph Muscat

Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that “whoever says they can solve traffic with a magic wand is making it up”, arguing that traffic is directly linked to economic growth and mobility demand.

“Let us be clear. Economic growth brings with it an increase in the number of people needing to travel from one place to another”, said Muscat.

He added that during the Covid period, “there were practically the same number of people in our country, yet the roads were empty because the economy had come to a standstill.”

Muscat argued that the only measures that could “drastically reduce traffic overnight” would be higher car licence fees and the introduction of parking meters, but said the Labour Party has always opposed such measures because they would affect workers and families.

He said the Government instead pursued “an unprecedented national programme” of infrastructure works, including new roads and upgrades, describing this as the first step.

He added that a 15 year mobility plan has now been announced, including Mobility Credits designed to encourage people to use buses, taxis and ferries according to their needs.

Muscat said sea transport should be central, stating there is “a clear case for using ferries instead of cars” and noting past delays caused by court proceedings.

He also referred to a proposed light rail system as “far more realistic” than earlier ideas, while criticising the Nationalist Party train proposal over parking loss and its impact on residential areas.

#MaltaDaily