Wardens' trap

My wife and I have been regular visitors to Malta for some years, sometimes for a two-week visit with a further one-week visit when funds allow. On all occasions when on the island, we have supported the local economy in many ways - hotels, food, bars, cafes, car hire, souvenirs, etc.

While in Malta for our last visit we hired a small jeep for seven days and a car for three days. Both of these were from our usual local car hire company in Marsascala. We do not use a multinational company but a local independent firm.

On the Sunday morning, we did our routine trip to the market in Marsaxlokk, parking in the spot I have always used. On my return I found I had a parking ticket. The fine amount, how and where to pay clearly in English, the offence was in Maltese only. After having this translated by both the police and the local council I paid the fine in well under 24 hours of receiving it.

Three weeks after my returning to England, I received a phone call from the gentleman I had hired both vehicles from, informing me a parking ticket had been issued in Zabbar while the first vehicle was on hire to me.

This had never been visible on the vehicle. The only time I had parked in Zabbar was outside the police station to report a theft.

It is quite clear to me the wardens see a hire vehicle and because of your registration system this is more clear. The wardens have knowledge that the system has no redress because the offender has left the country, therefore the hirer of the vehicle will exercise his use of his client's credit card.

My promotion of Malta to others has diminished sharply and my own return is very much in the balance and I await a reason why, for a few liri, you wish to jeopardise your main industry, tourism.

Your beautiful country and friendly people do not deserve to lose what has taken years to build by a penny-pinching anti-tourism scheme.