Residents only/60-minutes parking

'Why is it that practically all parking spaces in Iklin have been set with time limits for non-residents? Everyone knows that Iklin cannot be compared to Valletta or Sliema when it comes to parking. True, a few streets may be subject to a surplus of parking, but this is only a small percentage of the locality. Surely, there was no need to set time limits for non-residents, who would have to park their cars in nearby localities (Birkirkara and Lija). Don't we all pay the same taxes? What would happen if all localities were to follow suit? Where would we park then? This atrocity should be stopped before it gets out of hand.' (George Mangion)

Indeed, a valid argument. Here follows another letter:

'On reading your article last week, I thought you may want to read a letter I wrote to The Times last year and sent last May. This is what I had said: 'It is certainly ridiculous and unfair not to be able to park for even a limited time in Valletta, while most green (residents only) spaces, are vacant and many residents' vehicles occupy other spaces.I used to think discrimination was not permitted in the European Union. I dreamt I left my town in my car, which was parked virtually outside my door. It's so great these days, I never struggle to find parking where I live.

'I drove to Valletta, but unlike home, there was no place to park, since I am a non-resident. Better luck next time, I thought, and drove off to visit my friend in Vittoriosa.

'But I couldn't park there either, because the local council decided to allow only residents to park. So I thought I'd unwind over a drink by the sea in St Paul's Bay, but having driven there, I had no place where to leave my car either, because the available bays were only to be occupied by St Paul's Bay residents.

'I thought I'd ask a couple of friends to watch the match with me at home, but guess what: my friends couldn't visit because parking in Sliema is reserved for residents only. Suddenly, I woke up to find that I was just dreaming. Or, could I see the future? What will happen when every locality reserves its parking spaces for residents? We would use our cars only to go on non-stop rides around Malta and back home.

'Or we could dispose of our cars and use our enviable public transport instead. Just imagine how clean Malta would be free of exhaust emissions. I can't wait. Or am I dreaming again?' (Alfred Vassallo)

While thanking Mr Mangion and Mr Vassallo, I invite readers to send in their thoughts on this issue.

We will feaure a letter by a reader who doesn't agree with all this on Sunday.