Transport Malta Takes Proactive Measures to Enhance Road Safety in Attard

Transport Malta, the leading authority responsible for Transport in Malta, is taking swift action to address concerns and reduce road accidents in Attard, specifically on Triq Tumas Chetcuti. In light of a recent accident in the area, Transport Malta reaffirms its commitment to improving road safety and announces the implementation of comprehensive measures to mitigate risks and enhance the overall safety of the road network.
Every year, Transport Malta receives numerous complaints about speeding on roads, particularly during late night and early morning hours on weekends. As part of its ongoing efforts to tackle this issue, Transport Malta has developed site framework assessment methodologies for both existing and new roads on the TEN-T network.
For existing roads that have been operational for more than three years, Transport Malta follows a standardized procedure for selecting fixed speed cameras. This procedure, based on UK DfT guidance, considers factors such as the measured speed of traffic compared to the posted speed limit, the history of crashes resulting in death or serious injury over the past three years, and the availability of engineering solutions. This retroactive assessment system, outlined in the TM Speed Management Policy, ensures a systematic approach to identify areas where speed control measures are needed.
In the case of new roads on the TEN-T network, like the Central Link project which have no historical data on traffic collisions, Transport Malta adheres to a distinct methodological approach. In accordance with EU law, the Central Link project undergoes an extensive Road Safety Audit (RSA) process at various stages: Stage 1 (draft design), Stage 2 (detailed design), Stage 3 (pre-opening), and Stage 4 (early operation).
The primary objective of the RSA is to identify safety hazards for all road users during the design stage and early operation of the road schemes, typically within 12 months of operation. The 4km Central Link project, which was completed and fully opened to traffic in January 2022, is currently undergoing the final stage of the Road Safety Audit process. To conduct this audit, Infrastructure Malta has commissioned a highly experienced UK-based Road Safety Audit team.

In March, the audit team visited Malta and conducted an extensive site inspection of the Central Link. Drawing upon site observations and speed data provided by Transport Malta, the RSA team will recommend appropriate remedial measures and interventions to holistically address safety concerns. These measures may include engineering solutions, traffic calming techniques, or recommendations for speed control measures, which may include the introduction of average speed cameras, a subject on which technical and legal discussions have been held with specialists in the field over the past months.

All this indicates that Transport Malta has followed a scientific approach when it comes to measures to safeguard safety on this road. Without this knowledge, one risks basing decisions on incomplete information and not looking holistically at all factors.
Transport Malta remains fully dedicated to ensuring the safety of all road users and will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to implement effective road safety measures. By leveraging data-driven assessments, proactive interventions, and expert recommendations, Transport Malta aims to create safer road environments in Attard and across the country.
The attached speed contravention information provided by LESA clearly demonstrates that, irrespective of the presence of speed cameras, a small percentage of motorists persist in travelling at excessively dangerous speeds; with highest speeds being recorded that are typically more than double the speed limit on the road where the speed camera is located.
Transport Malta also emphasizes that speed cameras do not guarantee prevention of fatalities on our roads, highlighting the significance of everyone demonstrating responsibility towards each other while adhering to the laws.
One should also note that earlier this morning, Mr. Jonathan Borg, the CEO of Transport Malta, engaged in a discussion with Attard’s Mayor Stefan Cordina. Their conversation revolved around the traffic flow within the locality and the Council’s appeal for increased speed cameras and enforcement on Attard’s roads. The CEO acknowledged the importance of improved collaboration between the Authority and the Local Council in this matter. However, he emphasized that Transport Malta is just one of the entities involved in installing these cameras.