Mriehel bus lanes

I agree with Mr Steven Gouder (The Sunday Times, August 14) that motorists using the designated bus lanes to "jump the queue" should be punished. However, motorists overtaking slow-moving traffic should also be punished.

For general information, the bus lane Mr Gouder mentions (between Oxford House, Mriehel, to the new Bank of Valletta building) is operational between 6.30 and 9 a.m., Monday to Friday, marked with a thick continuous white line where buses, and other authorised ADT vehicles are allowed to transit on the left (inner) lane. All other traffic transits on the right (outer) lane.

Motorists overtaking traffic queues or slow-moving traffic are breaking the law because the carriageway markings and signs prohibit traffic overtaking from one side to the other or driving in the bus lane.

Mr Gouder mentions two wardens carrying out their duties in the area. I have personally established that they were always correctly and safely positioned to carry out their duties and are clearly visible from both sides of the road. Heavy vehicles leaving the brewery and pedestrian crossings makes this stretch of road dangerous because of speeding motorists. We all agree that slow-moving traffic makes this road safer during rush hours. The wardens' presence in the area has contributed to a safe, continuous flow of traffic during the morning rush hour.

Last of all, as part of the public transport service upgrade, the Transport Authority introduced these bus lanes, and road users should observe them.