Huge traffic problems in Attard

I fully endorse what Mr Lino Spiteri wrote in his "Wide Angle" column (The Sunday Times, December 26) about the impossible traffic situation in Attard, a situation becoming worse by the day, particularly from Attard cemetery up to the road leading to Zebbug and further up on the Rabat Road.

The long-tailed traffic congestion in this area sorely tests the patience of drivers and no doubt could lead to potentially serious "road rage" incidents. Also, trying to cross the road in this area constitutes a very high-level risk of bodily harm or worse, in particular to the many parents who must cross this road to take their children to the school located in the Zebbug Road. Residents in this area must of course inevitably suffer interminable noise and fumes pollution.

Mr Spiteri refers in his column to the bypass planned with foresight some years ago intended to tackle these very problems. This bypass was intended to skirt as much as possible the built-up area on the main traffic route in Attard/Balzan area and thereby not only make life more peaceful and healthier for the residents, but also ensure smoother and quicker traffic flows. Why was this project not implemented?

There have been rumours that it is being blocked by someone of influence who could be inconvenienced by such a project. With the considerable inflow of assistance from Italy and the EU for such projects, funds should not constitute an obstacle for a project which in any case would be quite limited in scale.

The ministry responsible should look into the matter with urgency in the expectation of finding a solution for the benefit of both local residents and the thousands of drivers who must pass through this area day and night.