Emergency traffic contact number set up ahead of first day of school

The number is just one of the initiatives taken by Transport Malta to ease traffic difficulties during the scholastic year

Transport Malta has issued a number of initiatives in an attempt to ease traffic difficulties throughout the scholastic year
Transport Malta has issued a number of initiatives in an attempt to ease traffic difficulties throughout the scholastic year

An emergency number- 8007 3399- has been set up by Transport Malta ahead of the first day of school.

"The number launched to provide swift roadside assistance to drivers in difficulty, with tow trucks on standby in different areas," Transport Malta said.

Transport Malta warned drivers that it will be increasing number of enforcement officials stationed at critical nodes connecting different parts of the country’s road network, to guide road users and provide immediate assistance in case of difficulty

To further reduce obstacles, Local Councils have been guided not to issue permits for road closures, even partially, during peak hours, between 07:00am and 09:00am, Transport Malta continued.

Work carried out on roads, such as the irrigation of landscaped areas along the roads, has also been prohibited during these hours, in an attempt to further decrease traffic.

Drivers are also guided to the mobile app and Facebook page Maltese Roads and Traffic Updates, as Transport Malta announced that it will be working closely with the social media page to monitor reports that come through the site.

Transport Malta officials will also send general notifications to app users in case of a major accident or major diversion.

A rapid intervention team has also been formed ahead of the new scholastic year.

Besides these operational measures, the Ministry is also working to introduce several short, medium and long term investments to upgrade the quality of the road network, increase road safety and reduce the inconveniences of traffic on road users, residents and the environment.

Over 25 projects to upgrade critical junctions and rebuild roads were launched this summer.

Other investments, including the rebuilding of Triq Bormla (Taċ-Ċawsli) at Żabbar, the upgrading of the two Qormi roundabouts, the widening of Buqana Road, between Rabat and Mosta and the upgrading of the Marsa-Ħamrun Bypass are being planned for implementation in the coming months and in 2018.