Julian Zarb, L-Iklin
Offsetting the carbon footprint on campus
With reference to the letters that have appeared in this newspaper over the past weeks, concerning the transport and traffic problems at the university, in previous letters I suggested that the university should introduce a basic fee for parking (this should be a nominal figure that may cover maintenance and administration costs), which could be seen more as a means of implementing a "polluter pays" policy at the university, as well as a means of inculcating some sort of environmental responsibility in the student, rather than as a commercial initiative. This fee should be introduced for all students. I do feel that the way in which some students consider it their right to park anywhere and in any haphazard manner shows a total lack of civic responsibility. We need to ensure that future generations understand the importance of social responsibility and civic awareness.
The parking at the university has now spilt over from the spaces allotted to students into neighbouring fields. The public transport service admittedly has its faults, and these need to rectified, but it is not so bad that students are prohibited from using it rather than their own personal means of getting from A to B!
Why is it, then, so difficult to persuade students to use this service rather than their own private vehicles? I would have imagined that with such a strong issue as the environment and climate change, the university should be a hotbed of lobbyists in favour of environmental responsibility! But, sadly, this does not seem to be the case.
So what am I suggesting?
1. A simple fee structure for parking for students at the university. This should not be priced so exorbitantly that it becomes a commercial undertaking; rather, it should be considered a nominal fee that offsets the carbon footprint in using one's vehicle to get from A to B.
2. The promotion of a better and more efficient public transport system that will encourage more students to use this service more easily.
3. A campaign in favour of green transport systems and policies on campus that will encourage more debate and action by student bodies and associations.
4. A campaign that includes the planting of trees around the parking areas and university that offsets part of the negative impact of using vehicles and also enhances the environment around this institution.
Let us start to work towards a better future for the environment and, perhaps in a small way, let us contribute towards the effects of climate change around the world.
Our university is one of the oldest in Europe - we should make sure that we set the right example for others to follow!
7 Comments
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C. Scerri
Nov 1st 2008, 17:59
It is clear that some of the students posting comments have never been to foreign universities! Whilst employees are allowed to park their cars. others (including students) either make use of the limited spaces at a fee (e.g. 2Euros per hour) or else use the public transport or bicyles - and this at Universities where students pay a fee to attend!
Rachel Vella
Nov 1st 2008, 16:25
@ Julian Zarb
Perhaps he should remember that the so called service being provided by academics is being done so against a monthly wage on which UMASA and MUT are currently haggling!
If Julian Zarb likes the buses so much I suggest he takes a ride on a bus and see whether he can get to University on time using a crowded bus which also goes to St. Luke's Hospital and Mater Dei in the meanwhile.
George Debono
Nov 1st 2008, 12:24
All those who live within striking distance of the campus (eg Hamrun, Sliema, Gzira Birkirkara etc ) have no business driving there. They can cycle there with ease (rainy days apart) . . I do have sympathy with those who live far away and have the double problem of distance and inadequate facilities (Cycle paths , tracks &c). One solution for these is to carry a bike on a car rack, park a little way away from Campus and cycle in. QED.
Now I must be off to collect something from a shop in Gzira – ON MY BIKE. Going by car would be a parking night mare. Oh and by the way, (forgive me Lord for I break all the Laws!) – I ride invariably on pavements along main roads. eg I barely use the roadway when going to Valletta - Very pleasant too - away from the traffic fumes and nasty car drivers – G
George Debono
Nov 1st 2008, 12:22
I’m sorry to keep harping on the same thing but why oh why can’t anybody think of other ways of getting to university? (see my letter in todays Times ! )
There is a limit to the number of cars that can be accommodated in Parking areas on this crowded island and we cannot go on covering more of our precious terrain in in asphalt, further encouraging car use.
If I don’t have a passenger or heavy load, my preferred way to go anywhere is by bicycle because it is so marvelously convenient by virtue of total absence of parking problems and door-to-door travel. I have often arrived at a given destination faster on a bike than a car driver, who often has to spend 20 minutes or so searching for a parking space and walking from the parking space to his destination.
Continued in next blog………………
Julian Zarb
Nov 1st 2008, 12:17
Just a little note here......we still also have a public transport system, unless (and I hope I am wrong here) students don't just want to show off their expensive cars to their friends and girlfriends! Yes, if there we could really 100% instead of 50% on the public transport system I am certain more people could use it....just remember this..the academic and non academic staff are providing a service for YOU and not the other way round! I ask students to se ewhat is being done at universities abroad were the student has to pay and not be PAID for their studies...although this is not the main issue! I fully agree with this system of stipends because our socio-economic startegy needs to encourage a trained and motivated workforce that is responsible and civic minded
Matthew Borg
Nov 1st 2008, 11:37
I second what Angelo Micallef has said.
What Mr. Zarb is suggesting is clearly discriminatory against students. If such a fee is going to be imposed, then it should be imposed on whoever is going to use the parking facilities at University, and not just a select group!
On the other hand, it is no secret that the parking situation at University is a total disaster at the moment, and that students should be given more spaces to accomodate the amount of vehicles they have. It's ridiculous to see a large amount of spaces assigned to non-academics, especially in the famed Car Park 6, not being used at practically all times of the day while students have to scramble all over the place to find the smallest corner to place their vehicles in!
Angelo Micallef
Nov 1st 2008, 10:08
Mr Zarb would do well to remember that apart from students the University of Malta has a large contingent of clerical staff and academics who are also making rampant use of the parking spots made available to them. Why is it then that whilst Mr. Zarb suggests a bus ride to students but not a bus ride to say the secretaries, other administration staff and academics? Isn't their carbon foot print a foot print just the same?
I believe everyone has the right to go to university using their own private transportation should they so wish without having letters such as those by Mr. Zarb urging such use to be "punished" in the name of the environment.