Campaign against residents only/60-minute parking

We have featured three letters against 'Residents only/60-minute parking' zones. Here is the first letter in favour of them.

'I read with interest your column featuring the letter(s) sent by Antoine Ellul and Mario Zammit regarding parking.

'I'm sure that both gentlemen have a garage, drive-in, reserved parking or live in the middle of nowhere. We lesser mortals without these facilities opt to park in our street. As my address shows (Triq l-Imradd, Ta' Xbiex), I live in a very small street with about 20 to 25 parking spaces.

'There is one shop with a company car and six cars belonging to the staff. In our block we have a company employing at least 15 people, each coming to work in their own car. Another block houses about three other companies with every employee driving to work. There is also a vet, local council, and the road works going on at the end of the road to add to the confusion.

'You can imagine the residents coming home after a long day at work. We have to wait in the car, parked illegally, until a space is available. Sometimes it takes more than an hour.

'Our nearest available parking space is down at the marina with a 15-minute walk, rain or shine. I had to buy a motorbike that I use for work so I wouldn't lose my parking space. 'We were promised resident parking permits and am looking forward to the implementation of this practice. Only a few places are earmarked for residents, the rest are free for anyone to park. As for the 60-minute parking, should anyone need to visit a shop or run an errand, 60 minutes should prove enough. The system works well enough for me when I go shopping to Hamrun as, unlike a few years back, it is now possible to park for an hour. If I go to Valletta I use public transport.

'I think both gentlemen need to look at other people's problems. If they are visiting a location, they may have to walk a few metres to get to their final destination. Should car owners in Valletta vacate their place for the convenience of these gentlemen? Why not use the car park? Why not use Park and Ride?

'May I suggest two topics for a campaign, the first being 'Use public transport' and the second 'Ban speed ramps'. Regarding the latter, I always thought that there was a legally accepted form of speed ramp.

'You should have a look at the one that has sprouted in Lija. It is built out of bricks. Whoever is sanctioning these speed ramps should try them out using a motorbike. Not only are they dangerous but are also damaging to bikes.' (Mario Caruana)

We will feature another letter against 'Residents only/60-minute parking' zones next Sunday. When we run such campaigns, your co-operation is important.