Pietà car park fees up

Parking fees at the Pietà car park, by St Luke's Hospital, managed by CT Park Ltd on behalf of the Pietà council, have been increased, to 50 cents for the first hour, and 25 cents for subsequent hours, up to a maximum of Lm2.

In April, the government passed the administration of the car park to Pietà council, which immediately found itself in controversy with hospital staff.

The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses had ordered industrial action by nursing staff over the rise in fees, as it felt that hospital staff should have preferential rates.

Until the handover, they paid just 10 cents. The fee was then raised to 35 cents per day.

When it was operated by a car park attendant, the usual tip was 25 cents.

In a statement, it said that the slight increase was being made as part of the upgrading of the service being offered, including new equipment and security measures being taken.

The council has to pay Lm30,000 per year in rent to the Lands Department.