The government is looking into the possibility of banning pedestrians from crossing the road.
The potential ban was mentioned by Transport Minister Chris Bonett during a press conference organised on Friday to celebrate the banning of rental e-scooters.
“While many people cross the road responsibly at zebra or pelican crossings, many cross recklessly, creating a danger to themselves, as well as to motorists who either have to brake suddenly or swerve out of the way,” Bonett said.
The minister added that several of his constituents had expressed their annoyance about people crossing the road in front of their homes.
“Imagine if you’re an elderly lady and you’ve just mopped the bit of pavement in front of your doorstep, and then someone comes along from the other side of the street, and walks all over it with their dirty shoes. That’s not right.”
Others, he said, had told him of instances when they had been late for work because, while driving, they had to stop and wait for pedestrians to cross the road.
Consequently, Bonett said he was looking into the logistics of banning the practice altogether.
“I haven’t yet given much thought as to how it would work. I guess pedestrians will have to plan ahead and commit to whichever side of the road they need to be on at the start of their day.”
Meanwhile, Bonett said that from now on, March 1st would be a public holiday commemorating Malta’s victory over alternative mobility.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to my predecessor Aaron Farrugia, whose unflinching unwillingness to regulate the sector got us to where we are today.”
