17,000 vehicles a day enter Valletta

Cameras placed at Valletta's entrance and exit points have recorded an average of 17,000 vehicles entering the capital city on each weekday of last month.

The number of cars entering the capital decreased slightly at weekends, Malta Transport Authority official Konrad Pule told The Times. A total of 340,000 were recorded during the entire month.

The exercise was carried out using the Controlled Vehicular Access system under which motorists will soon be charged to park in Valletta. Introduction of the system has so far been delayed twice, having originally been scheduled for January.

Mr Pule explained that the cameras take photos of vehicles entering and exiting Valletta. The Automated Number Plate Recognition technology recognises the number plate and an automated system calculates the length of time the vehicle spends in Valletta, and bills the owner.

Residents, emergency vehicles, flea market hawkers, delivery personnel and drivers with a disability who work in Valletta are exempt from the system and will not have to pay to enter the capital.

A spokesman for the Roads Ministry said that, before the CVA system came into force, there would be a period devoted to the registration of exemptions. People entitled to exemptions must apply.

The "V" licence plate, which currently enables motorists to enter Valletta, will be abolished once the CVA system starts operating.

Motorists who would already have paid their Valletta licence will be credited the pro-rata difference to park in Valletta once the scheme starts.