Reserved parking bays

I refer to an exchange of correspondence in connection with the issuing of Blue Stickers and reserved parking bays for disabled persons in Malta and Gozo. The National Commission Persons with Disability (KNPD) has a long-standing policy of not entering into public debates over disability issues. However, in this case I would like to take the opportunity to clarify a few points, chiefly because the correspondence in question has referred to me directly, in my capacity as chair of KNPD.

In the first instance, it is important to remember that the Blue Sticker is a service which falls under the responsibility of the Malta Police but is administered by the Commission.

It is correct to say that earlier this year I voiced my concern at the significant increase in applications for this service. However, at that time I also made it clear that KNPD would be playing its part in order to ensure that the situation is brought under control. The first phase of the stabilisation exercise is already under way. As is always the case with KNPD, it is being carried out with the sole aim of ensuring that those whose needs are greatest are catered for, first and foremost.

With regard to the Reserved Parking Bays Service, this is owned and administered by the Malta Transport Authority (ADT). Eligibility criteria for reserved parking differ significantly from the Blue Sticker criteria, in that they are more specifically aimed at providing a service for people with severe mobility impairments.

The above information indicates clearly that the Blue Sticker and reserved parking services are separate and distinct and therefore one cannot assume that the number of blue stickers corresponds to the number of reserved parking bays. In fact, there are far, far fewer reserved parking bays than there are Blue Stickers.