Death traps

I could not resist any longer and must express my complete disgust at the way our roads are being set up and constructed. I have been driving on these Maltese roads for the past 40 years and apart from the fact that they are smoother surely they are more dangerous - in fact, they are death traps.

I will start with the Salini Road - since a pavement was constructed recently, the road has become narrower, despite the fact that it could have been widened without any difficulties. Now we are at the mercy of buses and heavy commercial vehicles; we have to follow them having nowhere safe where to overtake.

And what about the other roads leading to Rabat, Zebbiegh, St Paul's Bay and Naxxar? These are all a masterpiece of bad design and sheer lack of consultation. These roads have been narrowed and reduced to two opposite lanes. What is even worse is that these lanes are only separated by a solid white line. The pavements have been widened to the extent that there are stretches where these are wider than the lane itself.

Now what about a bus lane and emergency parking? And, even worse, what about having someone overtaking irresponsibly? There is no way of avoiding a head-on collision. Are these roads according to EU standards? I wonder.

One last comment. The St Paul's Bay road has been narrowed and at times pavements project outwards. Does anyone realise the amount of traffic this road has to take in the summer months and that all traffic proceeding to and from Gozo has to pass through this road?

Believe me, I am really scared using these roads. Maybe those responsible should come out in the open, shoulder their responsibilities and explain why I have to risk my life and that of my passengers just because of their incompetence.