The Government has announced new construction regulations which aim to reduce the inconvenience caused to neighbours, controlling dust and the spreading of construction material. The construction site management regulations, which will be effective from the first day of November, also aim to improve the visual impact of construction sites on the environment.

The Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment, George Pullicino, said that the impact of the construction industry has increased over the years and has become more relevant to the public living in core areas of towns and villages. He added that the redevelopment of existing sites is now exceeding the construction of new sites.

In the first phase of the implementation, the regulations will apply to major projects and to projects in nine localities that require more attention due to their high density. These localities are Gzira, Marsalforn, Marsascala, Mellieha, Sliema, St Julian's, St Paul's Bay, Swieqi and Valletta.

The new regulations apply to construction works that include demolition and excavations. Also covered in the regulations is the cutting of stone and bricks, pedestrian passageways, the storage of materials, information on the management of the site and working hours.