At MED Design, we are proud to support and celebrate the academic and professional achievements of our team members. We are pleased to highlight the work of Ayrton Caruana, whose recent research contribution reflects a strong commitment to sustainable mobility and safer urban environments
Ayrton recently presented a poster at the Transport Research Arena (TRA) 2026 conference in Budapest, Hungary, based on his dissertation study entitled “Evaluating Road Closures and Traffic Calming Measures Near Primary Schools in Malta.” A paper derived from the study was also accepted and published in the conference proceedings, marking an important academic milestone and contributing to ongoing discussions surrounding transport planning and road safety.
Ayrton Caruana, Civil Engineer.
The dissertation focuses on the traffic conditions and road safety challenges surrounding primary schools in Malta, using Attard Primary School as a case study. In a country with one of the highest car ownership rates in Europe, school zones frequently experience congestion, illegal parking, and safety concerns during peak hours. Through a combination of site observations, questionnaires, focus group discussions, and policy analysis, the study explored how parents, staff, and students experience these daily mobility challenges and assessed the effectiveness of existing traffic calming measures and road closures.
The research identified a strong reliance on private vehicles, largely driven by concerns related to convenience and safety. While initiatives such as timed road closures and free school transport schemes have introduced some improvements, the study found that issues relating to enforcement, infrastructure quality, and public communication continue to limit their effectiveness. Ayrton’s work also highlighted the importance of creating safer pedestrian environments and strengthening community involvement to encourage more sustainable travel behaviour around schools.
The study puts forward a number of practical recommendations aimed at improving safety and reducing congestion near school zones. These include enhanced traffic management strategies, improved pedestrian infrastructure, stronger enforcement measures, and initiatives that promote walking, cycling, carpooling, and alternative transport options. By combining infrastructure improvements with behavioural and policy changes, the research demonstrates how school environments can become safer, more accessible, and more welcoming for students and the wider community.