In a move aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving efficiency, the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works has announced a new agreement that will see street cleaning operations across Malta shifted to off-peak hours.
The agreement was signed during the Public Service Expo 2025 by Transport Malta and the Cleansing and Maintenance Division. The event showcased key efforts by public service employees across sectors.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader “Reshaping Our Mobility” strategy, which includes a series of current and upcoming measures designed to reduce traffic pressure on Malta’s road network.
Speaking at the signing, Transport Minister Chris Bonett emphasized the significance of the agreement: “These types of agreements are not always easy to reach as they involve changes to many workers’ routines. But the fact that we’re signing this just weeks after announcing the measure shows that with goodwill, a consensus for the common good can be achieved.”
Minister Bonett added that the government is leading by example in encouraging the adoption of a 24-hour economy, urging the private sector to follow suit. “This agreement marks another step forward in creating a mobility system that better serves our citizens,” he said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Public Cleanliness Glenn Bedingfield echoed this sentiment, stating, “This agreement clearly demonstrates the government’s coordinated efforts to enhance people’s quality of life. Not only will it ensure more efficient public cleaning operations, but it will also directly help reduce traffic congestion.”
Under the new terms, the Cleansing and Maintenance Division commits to conducting cleaning operations on arterial and distributor roads outside of peak traffic hours. Specifically, street cleaning will no longer take place during weekday rush hours (06:00-09:00 and 16:00-19:00) or between 09:00 and 13:00 on Saturdays. The goal is to minimize traffic disruption and improve service planning.
The agreement was signed by Kurt Farrugia, CEO of Transport Malta, and Ramon Deguara, Director General of the Cleansing and Maintenance Division.