Taking to social media, Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Minister Chris Bonett explained Transport Malta and his Ministry’s position on the pedestrianisation of the Mosta Square on Friday and Saturday evenings.

This follows a disagreement between the government and the Mosta local council on whether to do so.

Hon. Bonett explained that the government wants to see local councils proposing masterplans to close off squares and open them to the public on certain days and times.

‘It is useless proselytising about public spaces before the election and then push a motion that goes in the opposite direction’.

The minister explained that the government took the decision that is within its authority as it is the government has the final say on managing traffic. ‘Where we feel that the local council is taking the wrong decision, we intervene, as we did in this case. No one was intimidated.

‘These are not popular decisions, but we are here to take the best decisions which sometimes might not be convenient.’

The Mosta Local Council had issued a statement explaining its position, writing:

‘The Government’s policy, which is being called ‘pedestrianisation’, cannot be applied without planning and consultation because what will be happening is to the detriment of the residents. This is because of the particular nature of the Mosta Square, that, it is not only a Square, but and a main artery for traffic; that when it is closed off for traffic, one will be placing traffic in residential roads instead.’

‘The Mosta Local Councill will continue to work in the best interests of their residents and will not let any authority use its power to intimidate the Mosta Local Council’

#MaltaDaily