Slow streets - rethinking mobility

Abstract

We are adapting the concept of public space and mobility to this new reality in order to bring back daily life to our localities. We are doing so with an action plan that will enable us to move around more easily and more safely, with sustainable, healthy means of transport that benefit everyone. We are calling this - SLOW STREETS. As we learn to live in the current reality, more residents will go out onto the streets and day-to-day mobility flows will gradually be restored in our localities. The Local Council Association together with the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government and in coordination with Transport Malta and the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Project will be working together with a number of Local Councils on an action plan to make sure this mobility is safe, sustainable, healthy and efficient. The aim is to promote walking, cycling and public transport, in parallel with other educational campaigns to avoid unnecessary travel. To achieve this, a series of temporary interventions are required to ensure that our localities are as safe as possible, now and in the coming weeks, in order to minimise new cases of Covid-19 and to protect people’s health through non-polluting means of transport. Thirty five Local Council expressed their interest in being part of this effort. More will join as the scheme will be rolled out and the public will react positively to this initiative. Within this context, travel on foot and by bicycle for short and medium distances will continue to be the main recommended ways of getting round. They are individual and sustainable modes of transport and allow for the physical distancing from other people required as a preventive measure to continue tackling the spread of the virus. Travel by public transport is also recommended. Our buses have continued to operate throughout the emergency situation all over the island. Great efforts have been made to comply with the maximum occupancy level and ensure the necessary hygiene measures to protect users.