The end of speed limit signs? New tech automatically slows down cars

May 25 2022

New technology has been developed that automatically slows down cars – and it just might make speed limit signs obsolete.

Ford has argued that this new technology could make streets simpler, safer and easier on the eye. It could also help drivers avoid costly speeding fines without relying on having to spot signs.

Called geo-fencing technology, the machinery creates a virtual area where vehicles slow down. The driver receives the information via the dashboard display and the new speed limit flashes for them to see.

The vehicle would automatically reduce speed in line with the geo-fenced zone. The driver would still be able to override the system to deactivate limit control at any time.

The company is now trialling connected vehicle technology and it could one day mean the utter elimination of speed signs. “Geofencing can ensure speeds are reduced where – and even when – necessary to help improve safety and create a more pleasant environment.”

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Comino to have zero police officers in summer during the night

May 25 2022

In a joint statement by two PN MPs Alex Borg and Joe Giglio, it was brought to attention that Comino will have zero police surveillance in summer.

No officer will be stationed on Comino between 8:30pm and 9am this summer. The statement was calling for more police officers to be stationed in Gozo, particularly following the recent murder of Syrian youth Fawez Najem.

However, the Gozitan MP was informed by the police that Comino has been ‘isolated’ for the hours of the night with no police officers on duty.

‘The lack of security on Gozo is a daily and serious concern’ the duo said. ‘This lack is not coming from the officials who work long hours but from those responsible for allocating human and financial resources.

The calls come as summer progresses and the population of Gozo increases due to the influx of tourists and visitors.

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Marvel Avengers Campus to open in Disneyland Paris this summer

May 25 2022

Attention all Disney and Marvel fans – a brand new Marvel Avengers Campus is opening in Disneyland Paris this summer. And it is promising thrill-packed adventures for visitors of all ages.

Disney made the announcement in a blog post, saying that fans will be able to channel their favourite Marvel superhero in the theme park.

The post read; ‘Created by Tony Stark himself to discover, recruit and train the next generation of Super Heroes, recruits will be empowered to take an active role alongside Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.’

Two action-packed attractions will see fans sling webs like Spider-Man or flying into space with Iron Man and Captain Marvel. The park will open to the public on July 20th and visitors will be briefed by Stark himself.

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Gozo tourism operators heavily dependent on foreign employees

May 25 2022

A new survey carried out by the Gozo Tourism Authority confirmed that the overwhelming majority of Gozitan tourism operators are reliant on foreign workers.

The survey, which was published today, showed that 61% of Gozitan business claimed that over 70% of their staff compliment is made up of foreign workers. The survey covered the performance of businesses in Gozo between January and April this year.

A range of businesses, from the accommodation sector, restaurants, diving centres, tour operators, travel agencies and even tourism consultancy firms, are part of this list. The GTA claimed that higher operating costs were the major business constraint for 77% of respondents.

Staff shortages also proved to be a challenge, with 74% of all respondents touting this issue. Still, the GTA expressed optimism that 2022 will be the recovery year following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The GTA reported that, during the January to April period, businesses saw encouraging signs with 53% recording more business than the same period when compared to 2021. A third of establishments reported that their performance was the same, while 13% reported less business.

#MaltaDaily