Residents only/60-minute parking

'I reckon it's everybody's wish to go somewhere and find a parking space straight away. It is also evident that finding a parking space has become a problem in many localities. The question is, "Who should have priority over limited parking spaces, residents or visitors?"

'In a letter last week, the situation was described as a bad dream, whereby due to reserved residents' parking, we would eventually use our cars to go on non-stop rides around Malta and back home. A worse scenario would be driving around Malta with no chance of getting back home because of unreserved parking for residents.

'One must live in a street where parking is a problem to really understand the inconveniences, such as going shopping and having to carry bags and returning home and not finding anywhere to park. Add to this, weather conditions, the elderly, and families with young children, and one immediately realises that parking priority for residents is a real need.

'More buildings, more businesses, and more cars have all contributed to making the parking problem even worse. Looking at how other countries have dealt with the problem could help. In some countries, cities are split into sectors and residents get a special permit which they affix to the windscreen. This allows them to park for free.

'Other cars can park in the area but only for a limited time and against a parking fee (solar powered parking meters are used). On the other hand, the limitation and fee only apply during certain hours and on certain days.

'Public car parks are also available around the city and the charge per hour is less expensive than street parking to encourage their use. This can easily be applied to Malta.

'Residents cannot be ignored for the sake of businesses sprouting up in residential areas or close by. We have been doing it for far too long and the situation is becoming unbearable. Campaigning against residents-only parking will not solve the problem. This will only delay the inevitable.

We must accept that on-street parking in congested areas can no longer be free. On the other hand we must urgently provide the necessary parking spaces by building more public car parks. The campaign should therefore focus on building more car parks.' (Raymond Pisani)

I refer to Aldo Portelli's article (The Sunday Times, May 18) on this issue, which said: 'We must educate ourselves and introduce reserved parking zones.'

Mario Zammit wrote:

'I am writing in response to Mr Portelli's letter on residents only parking zones and would like to point out that, fortunately, we live in a democratic country where there is freedom of expression. To my mind, freedom of expression is not limited to just a group of privileged individuals, otherwise it would be a parody.

'Consequently, I'm convinced that we are free to bring up topics that may not be to the liking of some, more so if these issues are intended for the benefit of the common good.

'What is extremely unreasonable is that in many cases a driver is not allowed to park during office hours when the residents are off to work. If at least the residents were allotted after-office hours for parking, then the situation would improve. Those employed in the area have every right to park. They do so to earn a living.

They pay the same road tax Mr Portelli pays. The reserved parking zone system has unfortunately snowballed beyond restraint and the government should have its say over local councils. Moreover, this system has developed into a situation of robbing Peter to pay Paul, thereby eliminating its raison d'etre and sense of justice to motorists at large.

'That is not to say that I'm not fully aware of the plight that the elderly and people with disability endure due to the ever-increasing parking problem. In similar cases, I agree that exceptions have to be made and that one rightfully has the option to apply for reserved parking.

'Finally, Mr Ellul and I live in areas which have no reserved parking zones and we don't make a fuss about it. We just put up with life.' (Mario Zammit)

We will feature Neil Dent's comments next week.