TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT DIVISION

Permanent Traffic Management

Traffic Management is typically considered as involving road design interventions such as : One-Way Streets, junction redesign, banned turns and controls for on-street parking, amongst others. These schemes are often implemented with the objective of increasing capacity and safety, possibly in a sustainable manner. Further objectives may include the reallocation of road space to improve public transport and provisions for cyclists and pedestrians.

Adapted from : Eltis : The Urban Mobility Observatory

Functions 

The main objective of the Permanent Traffic Management Division (TMD) within Transport Malta is that of providing the necessary technical assistance and guidance with traffic management related logistics, especially in urban, residential and rural contexts. This is mainly achieved through the interpretation and application of the relevant legislation, whilst also periodically updating the policies and procedures relevant to the sector.

This is done whilst ensuring that the proper administrative path is taken by the relevant stakeholders, which would include but not be limited to :

   - Local Councils
   - Government Ministries, Authorities, Agencies and Departments
   - Educational Institutions
   - Government Boards
   - Regional Committees
   - Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
   - Business Districts and Industrial Areas
   - Enforcement Bodies
   - The Private Individual 

The Legal Framework

We aim at effectively applying regulations. Thus, given that an application involving traffic management reaches TMD, the necessary technical assessments are carried out.

Once that TMD is satisfied with the liaison, consultations, and level of information available in relation to the application, it then proceeds to establish the conditions under which any authorisation can be granted, rejected, suspended or revoked. This as the Authority for Transport is empowered under CAP 499 of the laws of Malta.

The intention is to give an effective and holistic delivery to the road users in a consistent manner. Hence, our role is also consultative with the Planning Authority permit application processes in relation to matter relating to the traffic management aspect for private and national projects. This we do provide a coordinated approach for detailing, application and quality assurance of the traffic management measures proposed to be implemented on our National Road Network for both Malta and Gozo.

Legal References 

• Authority for Transport in Malta Act [CAP 499]
• New Roads and Road Works Regulations [SL 499.57]
• Traffic Signs and Carriageway Markings Regulations [SL 65.05]
• Motor Vehicle Regulations [SL 65.11]
• Vehicle Access Zones (control) Regulations [SL 65.31]
• Billboards & Advertisement Regulations [SL 552.28]
• Controlled Parking Schemes Regulations [SL 363.80] 

Regulations & Policies 

The Authority is committed at having an assessment procedure that guides the relevant stakeholders and thus, it supports periodic reviews of its policies to include the latest updates from a technical aspect. We hence endeavour to ensure that the policies continue to meet the ongoing needs and are up-to-date in respect of legislation, regulations, and guidance.

The purpose of the Traffic Management policy is hence to promote consistency and safety on our National Road Network whilst serving in the Authority’s Regulatory Role as empowered by law. The policy consists of a number of chapters, each providing :

 A guided application process for proposed management changes on the network
 The technical background for the user to understand opportunities and limitations and the criteria that permit authorisations
 A basic design guidance (mostly drawings) for the implementation of standard traffic management enhancements.
 

Policy, Application Forms & Design Guides

The Authority is currently in the process of updating its policy documents in terms of permanent traffic management, specially aimed at local roads.  The process is ongoing, however should any information be required in the meantime in terms of existing guidelines, which currently are still being employed, you are kindly requested to directly contact the division and we will be happy to assist you.

Chapter 0 : INTRODUCTION

Chapter 1 : GENERAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES

Link to *.xls Application Form

Chapter 2 : UNIMPEDED ACCESS TO GARAGES

Chapter 3 :  ACCESS RESTRICTIONS

Chapter 4 : SCHOOL ZONES

Chapter 5 : PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE

Link to *.xlsx Application Form

Chapter 6 : TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES

Link to *.xlsx Application Form

CHAPTER 7 : PARKING

Through this section within the Policy and Guidlines documents, the Authority for Transport in Malta aims to guide applicants towards an organised vehicle parking set-up via general and dedicated parking bays. 

• Policy Document
• Drawings & Technical Guide [REV 01 : update on charging pillars infrastructure]
• Link to E-Forms for the following parking types : General On-Street Parking, Reserved Parking Bays, Un/Loading Bays, Alighting / Boarding Bays, Keep Clear Bays, Electric Vehicle (EV) Bays, Coastal Areas, Non - Motorised Vehicles, Prohibitions.  

Chapter 08 : BILLBOARDS AND ADVERTISEMENTS ON ROADS

• Policy Document 
• Drawings & Technical Guide
• Link to *.pdf Form for Billboard Registration
• Link to *.docx Insurance Confirmation Cover Sheet

Chapter 09 : JUNCTION UPGRADES

Chapter 10 : NOT USED

Chapter 11 : NON-MOTORISED VEHICLES

Chapter 12 - 15 : NOT USED

CHAPTER 16 : VEHICLE / PEDESTRIAN PROTECTIVE MEASURES & OTHER FURNITURE

Through this section within the Policy and Guidelines documents, the Authority for Transport in Malta aims to guide the applicants towards the acceptable and non-acceptable standards, with regards to the implementation of vehicle / pedestrian protective measures and other furnitiure on the road network, with the ultimate aim of conserving and where possible improving road safety for vehicle and vulnerable road users.  This section also guides tha applicants towards applying for the installation of advertising material to be integrated within such structures, where possible. 

• Policy Document
• Link to *.xls Form 

In addition, the below forms are categorized by type of permit, with the necessary details and attachments for every individual form embedded therein. Details also include submission contact information. Kindly ensure that all attachments specfiied in the selected form are correct and attached with the submitted application.  

• Application for Access Restrictions (One Way - Pedestrian Zone - No Entry for Heavy Vehicles - Other Restrictions)
• Application for Unimpeded Access to Garages         

Complimentary Notes

Note 1 : Traffic Management Committee

In certain circumstances and when it so deems applicable, the TMD may also refer applications to the Traffic Management Committtee; where live discussion is held amongst the relevant stakehlders for problem solving and the establishment of a guided way forward.  

Note 2 : Additional Documents 

It certain instances, it may be the case that the policy docuemnt does not cover for soecific technical matters.  In these instances, the Authroity refers to foreign documents including but not limited to the below :

• Traffic Signs Manual, UK
• TSRGD, UK
• Manual for Streets, UK
• Transport for Scotland, UK
• Department for Transport, Londonm UK
• Any applicable EU Directives 

Note 3 : Policy Document History

In case, of chapters whitin the sections abovem where the policy doucment revision is still not issued, previous Transport Malta Policies apply.