Grech urges government to tackle road deaths through infrastructure investment
Bernard Grech also called for more law enforcement
The government must address the high number of road fatalities by investing more in Malta’s infrastructure, Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech said on Sunday.
Times of Malta reported earlier that that Malta had seen its deadliest week on the roads in at least 25 years.
The data was compiled by transport activist Paolo Cassar Manghi, who said the spike in fatalities reflects a chronic failure to prioritise safety in road design.
Grech acknowledged that, unfortunately, traffic accidents were inevitable and he insisted that individuals must take responsibility by driving more carefully. However, he insisted that the government must urgently address Malta’s poor roads infrastructure.
“The first thing we need to do is invest in infrastructure. There are many roads in a bad state, and that contributes to accidents... This is why you pay for your licence. The government has a duty to provide you with adequate conditions to drive,” Grech said.
He also used the opportunity to mention the alleged driving licence racket, where Transport Malta officials are accused of ensuring specific candidates passed their driving test.
Grech referred as well to a recent call by leading emergency consultant Jonathan Joslin for random drug and alcohol testing.
“People are obliged to carry out their VRT to ensure their cars are roadworthy, but then those who drive under the influence face no enforcement,” Grech said.
In addition to infrastructure and enforcement, Grech also called for more investment in Malta’s front-liners.
“When the government gives the impression that anything goes, those who abuse the system will keep doing so. One of us could be the next victim,” he said.
Turning to the government’s plan to reform the planning system, Grech criticised the attempt to fast-track the reform during the summer months and reiterated the PN’s call for public consultation on the issue.
“Instead of sacrificing people’s quality of life for millionaires, we should be giving citizens more rights,” he said.
Grech further urged the government to accept a PN-proposed bill that would enshrine the right to a clean environment in the Constitution. He also called on the government to support the PN’s proposal for all local councils to carry out carrying capacity studies.