Traffic in Floriana

While I fully agree with mayor Nigel Holland that resident parking zones are essential in Floriana, this idea is a pious hope because the Labour councillors voted against it and spent money withdrawing the resident parking traffic signs. The park-and-ride idea has been marking time for over seven years and in the meantime all Floriana residents cannot find a single parking slot because these are occupied by the 4,000 people who work in Floriana.

To add insult to injury, some top businessmen park on yellow lines daily with impunity while other car owners are destroying all footpaths, making them dangerous for pedestrians. Near the war memorial they even drive "wrong way" on a wide footpath, and daily park under the "No Stopping" sign.

What is needed is a warden service to book the culprits as the part-time policeman in Floriana cannot and is not inclined to spend time dishing out tickets.

A cardboard watch for each car, as exists in Paris, should allow a stay of only three hours for non-Floriana residents; this should also help shop owners in Floriana. The rest should go to the MCP car park where space is available. If they do not want to pay, they should use the bus service.

How right was Minister Austin Gatt when he stated that local councils should and must enforce the law. He rightly mentioned many councils which are not enforcing regulations. Floriana has become a car park area and St Anne Street a racetrack, while certain areas will get the first prize for diesel fumes, garbage, dog excreta and unhealthy pigeon droppings.

Moreover, Floriana gets the highest benzene pollution in Malta and the worst in Europe by emissions from car exhaust. How about installing catalytic converters on all cars?