Transport and urban growth : the effects of transport and urban development in Malta

Abstract

Transport and accessibility have been an important element in the development of specialised areas around the island of Malta. Patterns of urban development show that certain areas or towns developed more than others, in terms of sprawl and activity. This study aims at relating the growth of the transport system with the development of urban areas in Malta. It therefore seeks to understand the patterns of movement in the island and how these impact on the town centres. The use of both primary data and secondary data show how the increase in traffic is mainly due to a dramatic increase in car usage and the policy adopted by the authorities. The analysis of the transport network, the identification of attraction points in the island and the development of the urban agglomeration will identify the major area, which is mostly affected by the increase in traffic. Other modes of transport are also identified and studied to provide an alternative to the private car. Different planning strategies are discussed, comparing Malta to countries such as Singapore and Britain in order to find means of reducing the impact of the increase in personal mobility.