Imagine the scene outside St. Martin’s Primary School in Birkirkara, just before the morning bell. Cars double-parked, engines revving, parents rushing. It’s a chaotic dance that plays out daily at schools across Malta. But what if there was a way to tame this traffic turmoil? The Nationalist Party (PN) thinks it has the answer: school wardens.

The PN has proposed stationing school wardens outside every school in Malta and Gozo to manage traffic and ensure the safety of students. The party’s education spokesperson, Dr. Robert Attard, believes this could be a breakthrough. “We’ve seen too many near-misses, too many anxious parents,” he says. “It’s time we took control of this situation.”

According to the PN’s proposal, wardens would be stationed outside schools during peak hours, directing traffic, managing parking, and enforcing safety rules. They would also have the power to issue fines for traffic offenses, working in tandem with the police. But who would these wardens be? Dr. Attard suggests retired police officers or traffic wardens, arguing that their experience would be invaluable.

“We’re not talking about security guards,” he clarifies. “We need people who understand traffic management, who can keep order without being overbearing. It’s about creating a safe, calm environment for our children.”

Birkirkara resident and parent, Maria Grech, welcomes the proposal. “I’ve seen cars reversing into each other, parents arguing,” she says. “It’s stressful for everyone. If wardens can make it safer, I’m all for it.” But she has concerns too. “Will there be enough wardens? Will they be effective? We’ll have to wait and see.”

Birkirkara’s mayor, Gino Torpiano, is more skeptical. “While I understand the need for safety, I’m not sure wardens are the answer,” he says. “We need a broad approach, looking at parking spaces, traffic flow, even school timings.”

The PN estimates the cost of implementing the proposal at around €500,000 annually. But is it worth it? Dr. Attard believes so. “Safety is priceless,” he argues. “And think of the long-term benefits: fewer accidents, less stress for parents, better learning environments for our children.”

But critics question the proposal’s effectiveness. “Will wardens be enough?” asks Dr. Mario Vella, a transport expert. “We need to look at the root causes of traffic congestion around schools. Wardens could be a start, but they’re not a solution in themselves.”

if the PN’s proposal bears fruit. But one thing is certain: the traffic outside Malta’s schools needs taming. And with an election on the horizon, all eyes are on the parties’ plans to make our schools safer, one warden at a time.