GRTU against Rabat traffic system

The GRTU, Association of General Retailers and Traders yesterday protested with the government over the imposition of a new traffic system at Rabat, claiming that this would create problems to businesses in the area.

A new traffic management system for Rabat came into force yesterday with streets being made one-way.

The new arrangements, which most residents have welcomed, are intended to ease traffic and reduce pollution from the heart of the town by directing traffic to Labour Avenue in Nigret and the Mtarfa by-pass.

The decision marks the end of a number of failed attempts to solve the traffic problems which had been discussed during a series of meetings between the Malta Transport Authority and Rabat council.

The GRTU complained that even though the government said it wanted to help small businesses, it was imposing a system which was harming them.

Whenever a traffic system was imposed without consultation, it was ultimately shop owners and the community which suffered most, the association held.

"The GRTU recognises that the Rabat mayor and the local council heeded the shop owners' requests, but the government simply went ahead and imposed the system."

The GRTU appealed to the prime minister to intervene and stop the new system until a reasonable alternative was found.