Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit that several requests have been received from residents of Constituency No. 11 regarding improvement of road safety, especially in the highly inhabited areas. The requests pertain mainly to the following – • painting of yellow lines for parking prohibitions; • painting of yellow boxes; • setting of pedestrian crossings; • implementation of traffic calming measures such as road humps; • limitation of speed by placing traffic signs, and • provision of handrails and footpaths among others. These projects do not warrant feasibility studies as such as they are fundamentally of small scale. As per normal practice, surveys are conducted and consultative meetings are held with key stakeholders to assess the need for specific projects and determine the most appropriate sites where the improvement works have to be undertaken. Accordingly, upon receipt of the request, the TMRSU coordinates with key stakeholders, and the feasibility of the proposed measures or projects are jointly agreed upon. Where warranted, recommendations are made and approved, and projects are implemented within a reasonable timeframe, subject to the availability of funds. In cases where the requested measures cannot be implemented due to traffic constraints and other technical reasons, the TMRSU explores alternative solutions to enhance road safety. Madam Speaker, I am further informed by the TMRSU that since 2025, the following measures have been recommended and are currently being implemented in Constituency No. 11 – (i) painting of single and double yellow lines at 10 locations; (ii) implementation of pedestrian crossings at two locations; (iii) implementation of raised tables at three locations; (iv) implementation of traffic signs and road markings at five locations, and (v) painting of yellow boxes at two locations. For the information of the hon. Member, I am tabling details of the works and locations concerned. Madam Speaker, works involving the painting of yellow lines, traffic signs, road markings and pedestrian crossings are ongoing and are being implemented by the in-house team of the TMRSU. As regards the supply of traffic signs, including the replenishment of stock, I am given to understand that the contract has recently been awarded. Works for the construction of raised tables will be implemented through the framework agreement contracts, which have been recently awarded as well. I would like to underline that this framework agreement was being considered at the level of the CPB, where it sustained an inordinate delay in its finalisation. This is the main reason why the implementation of traffic calming measures could not be carried out earlier. I explained, last week, the issues we faced for the finalisation of that framework agreement. I wish to assure that the traffic calming measures which have remained pending, including the installation of speed tables will, henceforth, be implemented across the island, including Constituency No. 11, within the least possible delay. Thank you.

Is there a supplementary? Yes!

Can I ask the hon. Minister whether he is in a position to request for financial assistance in the forthcoming budget so that the projects that have been identified by the Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit are implemented, as they are measures of safety concerns for the inhabitants?

Yes, of course, this is being done, not only for Constituency No. 11, but across the island. It is an ongoing exercise, now that we are two months away from the budget presentation. An hon. Member: Next question!

Yes! Merci. C’est bien quand tout le monde est réveillé ! C’est bien ! INFLATIONARY PRESSURES – ASSISTANCE SCHEMES/SUBSIDIES