<i>Karozzini</i> drivers join the GWU
Opposition to horses` bags
Karozzini were conspicuous by their absence from Valletta yesterday as cab owners feared they would be booked for not having the bag, or apron, under their horse`s belly, aimed as a receptacle for the animal`s droppings.
The law came into force last week across the country, but Valletta local council had given them a week in which to comply, after which wardens would start booking them.
Cab drivers are resisting fitting the bib, arguing that it is impractical and that it harms and frightens the horses. Over the past few days, some 65 of the 70 cab drivers joined the General Workers` Union`s ports and transport workers section.
A meeting was held yesterday between the section secretary, Manwel Micallef, representatives of cab drivers, Valletta local council and the Local Councils Association.
Cab drivers have presented a vet`s certificate arguing that the apron is harmful to horses.
Contacted for his reactions, Valletta mayor Paul Borg Olivier said that before the regulations related to the aprons were introduced, the council had discussed the matter and the pattern being used with the Chief Government Vet who certified that it did not harm the animals in any way.
"Yesterday we agreed to examine the complaints raised by the cab owners and they were given a week in which to come up with solutions. Our aim is not to have any horse dung on the roads. We shall be meeting again in a week`s time after each side has done its homework," he said.
The apron costs about Lm20 but the Valletta local council is subsidising half the costs.
Those contravening the law are liable to a fine of Lm10 the first time round and Lm20 for each repeated offence.