Plan for 24-hour traffic system

Transport Malta is in the process of setting up a round-the-clock centre to manage traffic remotely in strategic points across Malta and Gozo. The centre would be in a position to control traffic in real time through the use of state-of-the-art closed circuit television cameras and messages to drivers through digital road signs along the lines of similar systems in Europe’s main cities. Manuel Delia, the Transport Ministry’s head of secretariat, announced plans for the project in a speech at a conference on Sustainable Mobility in Malta. He said the centre would be using intelligent transport systems to control and manage traffic. It will aim to minimise congestion, particularly on public transport corridors where there are no designated bus lanes. Where necessary the system would give priority to emergency vehicles and public transport, he said. The project, which would be part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, comes on the back of growing complaints about the state of rush-hour traffic which, many commuters complain, seems to be getting worse every year. When the scholastic year started in September, the ministry found itself embroiled in a controversy with...