Where will you park in Sliema?

J.Camilleri

Aug 12th 2009, 18:47

Park and Ride is the best solution. What about the eye sore old wembley stadium in Gzira which has been in shambles for about 40 years now. Run a shuttle from there. It is central and ideal. Good employment for the jobless ...

Graham Crocker

Aug 5th 2009, 13:22

P Debono, it is not true that you pay 2 euros to go 30Km.
Lothian bus Single ticket (1 journey) £1.20 (1.419 Euros) with longest journey to Queensferry (14Km Road distance) and shortest maybe 1Km give or take.
From Floriana to Hamrun with the bus it averages to just over 2Km (Road distance).
Now imagine Floriana to Cirkewwa (not the direct one (45) costing 50cents) and try calculate the distance (Google Maps won't do it yet).

T Aquilina

Jul 27th 2009, 21:48

The source of the problem is no doubt, the over-development in Sliema, which is by no means over yet. This is the source of the problem - but we are prone to tackling the 'symptoms' instead. Since we cannot turn the clock back, the only other solution is to create a number of park-and-ride areas, which system seems to have worked for Valletta. Moreover, the buses to Sliema are always full so increasing this service should be considered. I do feel that Sliema residents deserve a solution since, lets face it, so many of us go there at all times of the day (and night) so their problem is only too real. However, 80 'off limits' roads does seem rather excessive. At the very least, viable alternatives to visitors should be provided.

Evelyn sammut

Jul 27th 2009, 16:49

L-iskema mhix se ttaffi l-problema ghax Sliema is very over crowded. MEPA; we taxpayers please tell us if any public car parks were ever funded in Sliema from CCPS. You should have collected many thousands of money when one consider the amount of development there!

ABorg

Jul 27th 2009, 16:29

Come on all of you who have businesses in Sliema what are you waiting for? Put your hands in your pockets, get a good lawyer, and challenge this discrimatory decision in court. You and your employees' livelihood is at stake. Who can go to Sliema for some shopping, park their car, walk to the shops, purchase their stuff and walk back to their within an hour. A court case has already denied residential parking to the Pieta Local Council (see blogs from Galea L. and Noel Enriquez below). How about one of the local newspapers, which is not burdened with any political agenda take up the case in court on behalf of a number of local citizens who will be getting parking tickets in Sliema.

anthony cardona jnr

Jul 27th 2009, 15:57

@ Bill Khan There are places that are not being fully utilised such as industrial estates...

M Chircop

Jul 27th 2009, 15:52

I don't ride a bike / motorbike, and have no intention of starting now. It is often difficult for me to take a bus to work due to having to carry a lot of stuff with me. I might have an appointment straight after work, which I can only get to on time if I have my own transport. I might need to pick up my parents. I shouldn't have to offer any explanation as to why I would like to go to work with my own car. I'm so fed up of people telling me how to get to work. It has now transpired that the 2 hour time restriction is not applicable to the non-resident spots. I imagine that the legal notice was issued "wrongly" so that when it was corrected, people would say "it's not so bad". But for us who have to spend 9 hours a day working in Sliema, that still means that 1/2 of the spaces will not be available to us. Besides it being unfair, why wasn't an alternative and reasonably priced solution for us workers thought of before implementing this scheme? Or do they really expect us all to cycle to work?

G. Fenech

Jul 27th 2009, 15:11

@ S. Fenech

I can understand your point, and as you said it would be ridiculous for you, on a shopping spree with 2 kids, running around with a bike.

BUT, how about all the people that work in Sliema or places affected by these parking measures? How about the people that just need to pop in and out of somewhere, or simply leave their car parked all day while they are at work? You can fit at least 3 bikes into 1 car parking space, and if all the people that worked in Sliema / Valletta / Tax Xbiex etc used bikes to get to work, traffic and parking wouldnt be half the problem it is today.

It is a reality that is very easy to implement. Unfortunatley the authorities don't seem to like motorbikes in spite of being the solution to Malta's traffic / parking problem, as there are absolutely no incentives to get one, and in the new vehicle importation rules, motorbikes are not even mentioned!

And yes, the reason is that they prefer to see you suffer and make money instead of doing anything about it.

d bugeja

Jul 27th 2009, 13:51

mizuri bhal dawn ibikkuk. jekk il kunsill hareg b din id decizjoni l ewwel ghandu jipprovdi parking area ghal dawk in nies li jmorru Tas sliema sew biex jixtru ghax xoghol jew bhala harga. meta l gvern jipprovdi dan kollu imbaghad johorgu din il proposta li ma tistax tipparkjafit toroq.

X inhu jghidilna l gvern biex noqoghdu gewwa d dar ghax la nohorgu x imkien iridu nipparkjaw

Bill Khan

Jul 27th 2009, 13:28

Effectively a NO GO ZONE has been created within Malta by those living in Sliema against all those outside it. Very divisive for a small island. Professor Ivan illich (Austrian Academic) warned against such divisive inequalities of the twenty first century.

@Mr. Anthony Cardona jr., creating the shopping mall monstrosities for a small island like Malta would be more of a curse of the twenty first century on the people of Malta and not benefit.

S Pace

Jul 27th 2009, 13:17

@ Joseph Galea

What do you mean some form of more registration tax? isnt what we're paying much more than enough?

And regarding pay as u park solution, not everyone finds it affordable to pay for parking since in malta... wages arent that good! What are you thinking when you suggest public transport? Oh you mean the 40 year old buses which whenever they pass they are either full or late! Its a disgrace living in malta, and figuring how much taxes and road tax we're paying just to drive your car, you would think that no pothole or parking problem would be found! But as we're living in malta, everything is ok and we have to live with it.

Alex Spiteri

Jul 27th 2009, 13:16

This is another clear example of politically motivated decisions, which in this country dominate every important decision. By applying this kind of parking scheme, the mayor and those behind this idea will be guaranteed votes for the elections to come from the Sliema residents.

However, they are simply closing the door to visitors and thus, will have a negative effect on the business, which at Sliema is quite popular and also important.

On the other hand, in a country where it is calculated that there’s the largest concentration of cars we need to take decisions which might negatively effect those whose idea of transport is limited to their car. We need to encourage people buying motorcycles instead of cars and support the use of public transport all together. Unfortunately there’s no real effort from the government to invest in a sustainable transport system!

S. Fenech

Jul 27th 2009, 12:29

@ G. Fenech

The only reason why I go to Sliema is to shop... once every blue moon. Now, would you imagine me, at the age of 40, with 2 small children and shopping bags, on a bike?

You seem to be a bike lover, which is something I would like to have. But wanting something and being practical do not go hand in hand most of the times. And moreover, we pay taxes not only for the roads but also for the parking lots... which seem to disappear in the most needed areas. No wonder that private entities make the most of it. The government should see to the public's need in a realistic manner.

G. Fenech

Jul 27th 2009, 11:48

Just get a motorbike / scooter! Its very simple really. Less fuel costs, less insurance costs, less running costs, less time waiting in traffic, less time looking for parking.

MUST you all drive around in your sedans and 4x4's? As much as i miss driving my jeep, i dont miss the hassle of traffic and parking.

Seriously, just get your bike license.

Joe Fenech

Jul 27th 2009, 11:15

ONLY tram and underground will solve our vehicle and parking issues. However, the government still thinks that having loads of cars around is a symbol of wealth and good life style: well, IT ISN'T you dodod!!! It shows a country lacking infrastructures, proper public transport, vision, eco-planning etc!

As long as we keep voting Labour and PN things will never change. Car parks, mark and ride etc - does are not solving the REAL issues. That's just polishing a turd!

Joe Morana

Jul 27th 2009, 10:44

Sliema has been overdeveloped since the early 1990s. The Sliema traffic problems cannot be solved by providing more parking space (car parks) in Sliema. The Sliema main traffic arteries and junctions are already overloaded with heavy and contiuous traffic particularly at peak hours. So more carparks in Sliema would precipitate the already precarious Sliema traffic problems which include traffic air and noise pollution.
While fully aware of this, MEPA continues to issue building permits while there are no solutions to traffic probelms in sight and expects ADT to solve the Sliema Traffic Problems, while ADT laments that more developoment in Sliema would draw more traffic and that the road infrastructure is not adequate to handle the present traffic much less any increase in traffic.
So much for sustainable town planning and traffic management solutions in Sliema, managed by public authorities paid from public funds.

Andrew Gatt

Jul 27th 2009, 10:34

@ J Azzopardi...................MEPA has been collecting payments from building contractors for years and years and years. This scheme - CCPS if I recall - was a compensatory measure when on-site parking was not provided in the development, and the intention was to use the monies collected to finance public CAR PARKS.

Several millions of the old Liri later, we get to know that MEPA has apparently blown this money to buy Hexagon House , or someting to this effect!! UNBELIEVABLE!.

No car parks, no alternatives, just another rip-off scheme.

Simon Camilleri

Jul 27th 2009, 10:30

The old Gzira stadium is a perfect place to start a Park and Ride scheme. Had this been organised BEFORE introducing the restrictions then there would not be any inconvenience to visitors and the amount of traffic in Sliema would decrease. That way business would not be affected and we would get to breathe a bit of air with our exhaust fumes.
However it seems that the emphasis is on creating a parking shortage around the Ferries and the Tigne peninsula rather than accomodating the needs of the residential and business communitites.

Anthony A. Mifsud

Jul 27th 2009, 09:49

Dear all I was born in Sliema and raised there, my family still lives there, now what is expected from me? Park in Gzira and take the Bike to Sliema? or Park in St. Julians and walk. this brings back four decades ago, I have sudgessed that at the Ferry The Strand, we reclaim and build a multi story car park, I was called crazy.
This long before the car park got build in residential area.

Give me a bike

Ninu

Anthony Cardona Jnr

Jul 27th 2009, 09:39

Well maybe it is time to reconsider Sliema as a shopping hub. Maybe it is time for a shift towards an extensive shopping centre that can accommodate shops and clients' demands respectively. A shopping centre that features 21st century facilities guaranteeing shopping experience a placid one.

o. longo

Jul 27th 2009, 09:00

I was born and bred in sliema and my parents still live there.

many parking places have been lost due to bad planning.
blocks of flats are built in narrow streets. After these flats are built they realise that they cannot get in an out of the garages without eliminating the parking area across the street. This is highly unfair for the residents in these streets.

When the flats are built they should ensure beforehand that vehicles would be able to get in and out easily.... and NOT make other residents suffer for their errors in planning by taking away one and sometimes two parking spaces across the road from the entrance of the garage.

J.Azzopardi

Jul 27th 2009, 08:50

The local Councils, the Business Community and the Government should pool together to invest in appropriate car parks, be it underground, or high rise. The present situation is not fair both for the residents and the shoppers / business sector and it is getting worst due to the continuous increase in cars. Sliema in one place where it has gotten claustrophobic and I pity any Sliema resident who has to pay the price of this situation, caused by others' bad planning, greed and lack of foresight. Same goes for daily ordeal suffered by residents of St. Julians, Qawra, St Paul's Bay, Marsascala, Birzebbugia, etc. However not all is lost and there are solutions.

C.ZARB

Jul 27th 2009, 08:48

Mr Briscoe White, compared to the European cities, Malta is just 1 city. So we are discriminating not by town but by street. Sliema's problem had been there for years. The place had been allowed to change from a picturesque town where people from Sliema and the nearby towns used to go and enjoy the sea front into a concrete monster made up of towers of 'luxury flats'. In my opinion its unfair to make a specific town exclusive to just the people in it expecially since that town is the only attraction there is to the nearby surroundings. Take for example San Gwann, a modern village which happens to have no recreational facilities to its citizens. The only way they have to reach Sliema is either by car, or by a very inefficient transport service or by walking (which much of the time means juggling around traffic). There is no other way.

I happened to have lived in places where parking had always been a problem. There again, I was wise and responsible enough to invest in a garage which is worth more then the place I am living in.

Neil Briscoe White

Jul 26th 2009, 21:54

Don't forget the proposal is not just for Sliema but for several towns in Malta. What disadvantage you have in other places, you gain in your town of residence. But the thinking has been half-baked - as usual. Preferential Residents parking schemes are standard in almost every European city where the volume of traffic - and car ownership - puts pressure on the urban and commercial centre. However no other country would mandate such a scheme without first ensuring that there is a) adequate public car parking facilities for residents AND shoppers, and b) providing a decent public transport alternative. Where's the pleasure in Sliema shopping when the rubbish buses going up the hill to Tower Road belch illegal black smoke into your face? Sliema centre should be pedestrianised and buses routed round Tigne using the much-delayed MIDI tunnel. The government should oblige MIDI to finish the public parts of their never-ending project; have the guts to end the bus driver and ADT stranglehold on transport policy and apply MEPA pressure on landowners of certain long-empty and derelict Sliema centre spaces to build useful additional car parking facilties.... instead of rewarding party stalwarts in Bahrija!

Stephen Grech

Jul 26th 2009, 21:13

I was born and lived in Sliema until I got married. My parents still live in Sliema.
Might some wish guy enlighten me where to park when visiting my parents.?

It is nearly impossible to park today let alone in the near future.
If certain reserved parking applications are re examined, then we might have a couple more parking places.

Myriam Warrington

Jul 26th 2009, 18:49

I utterly disagree with this decision!! Sliema isn't a historical area like Valletta or Mdina - anything that was beautiful about it has given way to matchboxes anyway!!! It is so unfair for people who live outside Sliema who spend such a long time finding a parking space only to have to leave after an hour! Can one honestly go swimming, visit relatives or go shopping in just an hour! Three hours is definitely more reasonable.
We visit my mother and mother-in-law on Sundays so we usually park somewhere in between(after we spend ages trying to find a space) and walk to each of them. Now that would be impossible.
So many people love Sliema for the sea and also for the promenade, so I dread that because of this, more people might try to buy a residence in already over-populated Sliema making the situation even worse.

Joe Fenech

Jul 26th 2009, 18:06

Shop somewhere else!!!!

The government is happy to push people into buying more cars, then he doesn't provide parking or alternative transport. Remember that no matter how many public transport reforms take place, it will still be a disaster. Only vision will change the situation and that mean underground and tram like on finds in Europe (forget the UK which we keep copying - it's simply the worst nation in Europe).

Brigid Garroni

Jul 26th 2009, 18:02

What about a park and ride scheme? Once it was going to happen from Manoel Island. Why hasn't this materialised? I really don't see why people are making such a fuss: parking is a problem in all cities. People opt to travel to Valletta for shopping by bus, why shouldn't they use the buses to go to Sliema? I don't see why paying one's road licence should entitle one to park wherever one wants to. It is a fact that residents of any town need to be able to park in their own home-town in order to get home, and visitors should have specific areas to park against payment, using parking meters, as is done all over the world; and underground car-parks would be an excellent idea. The bus service needs an overhaul to encourage bus passengers. It's all very well to say have garages under blocks of flats, but these also reduce public parking space. In fact the problem grows worse with each block of flats built. What happened to the idea of a large parking area beneath the Sliema sea front? That is the best solution really.

Chris Dalli

Jul 26th 2009, 17:44

I would wonder if all the cars parked on the front, they don't have a space in the Garage underneath, as all the Apartments they all come with underground Garages, I know even of Apartments that they have installed an Industrail lift so they can make use of more Levels underground. My Point why not the Council will inforce on the residents if they have a space in the garage, they have to park there. When they were build this Apartments they all had to be with underground garages as a reqiurment from Mepa. So Please lets educate the poeple of Sliema that they have and must use there garage to park there cars and not leave them out, infront there apartments. For workers that they work in Sliema would be nice if they have a park and ride scheme but only for the workers that they go every day to Sliema to earn there Living and no exceptions every body. Like this then we will still have the Posh area of Sliema and for friends to come over and for people to come over for shopping they will have where to park. Everybody will be happy I think....

charles zammit

Jul 26th 2009, 17:12

prosit rodnick abdilla tirraguna sew ta. mela jien mhux daqasek inhallasha il licenzja. issa art publika qed tigi esproprijata mil kunsilli lokali tajjeb wisq. ara vera saru arroganti dawn il kunsilli specjalment dawk nazzjonalisti.

L Aquilina

Jul 26th 2009, 16:25

Where is the scheduled, reliable sea transport within the harbours of M'Xetto and the Grand Harbour? The journey is short, hassle free, pollution free, and a lovely way to travel for leisure or work without the worry of parking tickets / costs. In both cases just add the a mini bus collection from both ports to Valletta town centre and some problems may be eased.
Parking in Sliema has been bad enough for years, nothing new there, but please at least just give us an alternative.

Josette Buttigieg

Jul 26th 2009, 15:55

This is bad news indeed.

Joseph Tonna

Jul 26th 2009, 14:59

Heading must have been " Where will you park in Malta " ! ?

gaffarena joseph

Jul 26th 2009, 14:36

In my opinion this is all illegal,I, am paying my road license to park in all areas suitable for parking. The sliema local council and others cannot do this,and they know it.This is another
quality of life that our govt, is always boosting about.
Its a shame that such things be passed by the ADT,and the govt, will not notice that they are all
unprofessional in their work.
Surely, I, will park in those restricted illegal parking,like I, did before,and won a;ll of them.
When our govt, is going to learn,and will not let such people,due to their unprofessional skills
do these mickey mouse acts.

Joseph Tonna

Jul 26th 2009, 14:16

B'dan l-ammont ta karozzi li hawn f'pajjizna u li ser ikun hawn,qed ikollna bzonn car parks bhalma hemm il-Belt li jinzlu sulari taht l-art. Dik il-bicca art li hemm ir-Rabat mhix se tkun bizzejjed ghal ammont ta karozzi li jitilghu r-Rabat. Ma nafx kif mhux se jinzlu sulari taht l-art, illum hawn biex tahdem...

Joseph Tonna

Jul 26th 2009, 14:11

Jiena bilkemm nersaq lejn tas-Sliema ghax kwazi qatt ma nsib nipparkja, biex naghmel hin twil infittex parking mhux viabli. Jekk l quddiem insir naf li jinbena xi parking li jilqa din l-isfida nibda nahsiba mod iehor min jaf.

Vicki Azzopardi

Jul 26th 2009, 13:45

@ Anthony Camilleri
That is exactly what I told my husband about 2 months ago when we were passing by the stadium by bus. Is the stadium privately owned ?

Rodnick Abdilla

Jul 26th 2009, 12:44

Not our Problem. as Sliema resident all of you tell me where to park .

Bhall ma tghamlu il belt tiparkjaw il floriana hudu pacenzja u ibdew iparkjaw fejn issibu issa laqwa li jien u slimizi insibu bhal ma issibu intom f pajizkom

Anthony Camilleri

Jul 26th 2009, 12:14

Why not develop the old stadium in Gzira into a large car park & adopt a park and ride system from there. The space above could still be developed in commercial/residential units.

I M Dingli

Jul 26th 2009, 12:13

@ Marita Stivala

I think you will still have a big problem when you'll go back home to find a parking, mainly because the scheme itself will not limit Sliema residents who own garages or parking spaces from parking in the streets. I do hope that you'll take maybe 45 minutes to find parking rather than 60 minutes!! Time will tell whether this scheme will backfire (which I hope it will).

JOANNA FARRUGIA

Jul 26th 2009, 11:16

I would like to suggest to use the same system used in Valletta. PARK AND RIDE. That would solve all our problems.

Andrew Azzopardi

Jul 26th 2009, 10:41

This reserved parking for residents scheme is stupid. The people went to live in sliema knew very well that parking would be a problem, but no they decided pay twice as much for a flat and ultimately be considered "Posh". Its the sliema residents' fault and noone elses. This will effect the economy for sliema shops and restaurants unless a park and ride scheme is developed or at least a free large underground multi story car park payed by the sliema local council.

P Debono

Jul 26th 2009, 10:33

@ Graham Crocker

I couldn't disagree more with you when you state that the Maltese public transport is cheap. People seem to conveniently forget that distances are much smaller in Malta than in, say, Scotland. So to travel 2 km in Malta you would need to pay 50 euro cents, whereas to travel 30 km in Scotland you would need 2 euros. So the latter system is actually cheaper.

P Debono

Jul 26th 2009, 10:29

It really is beyond belief that in 2009, the government and local council do not have the brains to design an undergound network as we see in so many foreign countries. But the glaring difference is that such countries are actually DEVELOPED countries.

jcmicallef

Jul 26th 2009, 10:02

Let's just see the lighter side of it...

Quotes:

"The other peple who lives..." @ 35"

"...(Graham Street)...everywhere is yellow line" @ 47"

"...we need more garaxxis" @ 1.09 :-)))

- - -

More seriously, though, Sliema cant be compared to (with) Valletta, the parking sheme in Valletta costs, and how!!

@Oscar Cassar - ghandek bicca ragun. Imma hawn Malta l-ewwel inhallu l-affarijiet jgherqu, mbaghad immorru ghal estem iehor.

Aaron Nind

Jul 26th 2009, 09:51

No problem. I just won't come to Sliema to Shop / Dine Out. I'm pretty sure others will follow and a 'slight' dip in turnover will be noticed. Sliema is not the only place in Malta to shop. Big Deal!! 

marita stivala

Jul 26th 2009, 09:10

hopefully i shalll be able to park close to my house and hopefully i can do this without roving round sliema for an hour.

Oscar Cassar

Jul 26th 2009, 08:53

Din sistema li marret fl-estrem. Sakemm tkun limitata ghal ftit spazju fic-centru forsi tghaddi izda bla sens li jkollok lokalita fil-parti l-kbira taghha ristretta. L-unika interess tal-Kunsill Lokali huma l-votanti izda mhux gust li Kunsill jimponi b'daqstant firxa kbira ta' restrizzjoni fuq cittadini ohra li wara kollox jhalsu l-licenzji. Dan jista' jkun il-bidu tat-tnawwir ta' Sliema bhala zona kummercjali bl-unika eccezzjoni jkunu r-restaurants flghaxija.

Ghaliex il-kunsill ma dahalx ghal progetti tipo ta' Park and Ride jew kostruzzjoni ta' Parkegg kbir mhux biss taht l-art izda l-fuq, bhal fil-kas ta' bosta lokalitajiet barranin u li jkun post centrali fejn issib spazju ghal vetturi?

maria curmi

Jul 26th 2009, 08:40

Sewwa jekk jien min birkirkara u nigi tas sliema ma nistax nipparjka hemm , jekk jigi xi hadd li ma jghix birkirkara jista jipparkja , birkirkara hudu nota kunsill lokali ta birkirkara u ghamlu bhal tas sliema jew dawk specjali bsahithom !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

S. Camilleri

Jul 25th 2009, 22:33

So now if I want to enjoy some sea at Sliema, I need to make do with two hours if I'm lucky... Just because I do not live in Sliema. Seems that these (and other) blue eyed people now have their own special monopoly on the sea, a COMMON RESOURCE.
All this 'residents' parking business is illegitimate, especially the way its being implemented, and no 'legalisation' will change that. I agree that having a percentage of spaces reserved for residents is acceptable but turning large chunks of the Island into no-goes for anyone other then residents is obscene. Are they paying anything extra? What if I work in such a locality. Am I not on par with a resident? I probably spend as much time in that locality bar night time!
The whole thing is just a typical government cock-eyed quick fix --imbaghad naraw--. A pity, because I'm sure that with some thought in drafting of the law and a reining in of over zealous mayors such schemes can actually work.

John cassar

Jul 25th 2009, 22:20

The times I have travelled on public transport whilst on holidays, I have always aid that it is backwards. And my first experience was in 1985! Malta remains a 'mickey mouse' set-up. When will Malta do better for its citizens? May be the key is to stop lining the pockets of the hangers on and get real for once. And still the old buses run around or if you are on a new one, the a/c is not switched on. There is no real service!

frank galea

Jul 25th 2009, 21:22

once the government is insisting on residential parking, we might as well have it in Sliema, with all the inconveniences to all the businesses and all commercial outlets. it is not fair to go to other localities and be unable to park (because of residential parking) and then when you return to Sliema you don't find where to park because all parking areas are occupied by people who are non-residents! ideally, and this I have expressed more than once, as everyone pays the same amount to ADT as road licence, everyone should be allowed to park in all localites (without exceptions) - residents and non-residents should be on the same equal footing. This is how our Courts decided but unfortunately, in its infinite wisdom, our Central Government decided to ignore these decisions and introduced a legal notice on 7/7/09 to legalize its action! So we now have a very absurd situation! Everybody is to remain in his/her locality because it is going to be very difficult to find where to park in other localities! How's that for planning and boosting the economic and tourism sectors?!!!

Renald Attard

Jul 25th 2009, 19:28

I do live in Sliema ... and I also do not agree with the new parking scheme... I believe business will be lost from around this area... I do however agree with those that state we should offer better transport to Sliema... In Malta we have a habit of starting from the butt end... I believe we should start by transporting people to Sliema via a park and ride scheme similar to Valletta and then perhaps implement the parking restrictions.... How about doing things right in the first place .. instead of doing something without much thought going into it... Malta deserves better

Noel Enriquez

Jul 25th 2009, 19:06

I pay my icence to drive my car all over the Maltese islands, If I get a ticket I will resort to an appeal because this is an illegal discriminatory scheme, look at case Maria Victoria u Joseph konjugi Borg vs Kunsill Lokali Pieta` 19 ta' Mejju 2009, Appell Civili Numru. 949/2004/1

"l-Qorti trid tapprezza l-problema tar-residenti tal-Pieta` li jmorru d-dar kull x’hin imorru jsibu vetturi ta’ haddiehor quddiem djarhom; u bl-istess mod ir-residenti tal-Belt; innies li joqghodu l-Imdina ghandhom problema simili; Ghawdex ukoll jista’ jkollu problemi simili u hafna postijiet ohra. Izda ma tistax il-qorti fuq l-aspett uman ma tqisx ilpovru cittadin li gurnata minnhom jidhol il-Belt u jaqla’ citazzjoni u ghalhekk imur sal Hamrun u hemm jaqla’ ohra; wara jitla’ sa l-Imdina u jaqla’ ohra; wara jmur jara lil xi familjari l-isptar u jaqla’ ohra ghax dawn il-lokali ghamlu parking ghar-residenti. Wara li jkun qala’ r-raba’ citazzjoni jmur id-dar tieghu fejn ma hemmx residential parking u jsib li ma jistax jipparkja ghax hemm nies mill-Belt, minn tal-Pieta`, mill-Hamrun, mill-Mdina ecc –"

smifsud

Jul 25th 2009, 17:57

Mintoff is running for election again ...P.M Mintoff we need you back to get Malta back to the people ......on another note JUST BOYCOTT SLIEMA EVERYONE!!!!

K Farrugia

Jul 25th 2009, 17:20

Residents in sliema want the best of all worlds. They want to be central where all the shops are, but then want their parking spaces reserved. Then you get other people in other areas, who spend a good 24,000 Euro on a garage becuase they are forward-looking enough to see that parking could be a problem in the future.

Now i'll no longer buy a garage, I'll just moan and groan to the council to give me space outside my door worth 25,000 Euro.

I'm sorry but I rarely go to Sliema anymore due to parking problems, let alone when they reserve places for residents.

C.Cachia

Jul 25th 2009, 17:14

I'm just wondering if this has anything to do with the shopping arcade which is soon-to-open in the area. Is this a way of forcing people off the high street and into the arcade?

M. Debono

Jul 25th 2009, 16:16

@ S. Calleja

Why are you comparing Malta to 'major European countries' - is this the joke of the year?

Major European countries have a very efficient and cheap public transport.

Our public transport is very inefficient, and very expensive. In order for me, my wife and two children, to go to Sliema and back, we need to catch 2 buses in each direction, for a total of more than 5Euro and more than 2 hours travelling in a back breaking metal box!!! for a total of 10km each way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now this is the joke of the century!

Graham Crocker

Jul 25th 2009, 15:54

Sliema has always been horrible for parking and now they made it worse.
Abroad, high density cities have underground parking and for some reason this hasn't been emphasized over here. We only manage to do the Kiddie stuff like like color lines on asphalt.

If I go to Sliema, I always try to go by Bus. But our bus system is stuck in the 80s it seems. Abroad everything is modernized so people are encouraged to use public transport.
Whats wrong with time estimations for arrival on the bus stops? The PRIVATE Scottish bus services offer that, as well as courteous drivers, comfortable seats, a/c always on, clean..etc etc . As a side note, the Scottish people pay good for their services and in return get a good service. So 50 euro cents is basically asking for the worst possible service.
Taking two buses everyday at 2 euros each trip, will cost you Euro 1424 a year (if you never take holidays). Still cheaper than a car (without start up cost): maintenance, license, road tax, unforeseeable expenses and Petrol. Wouldn't you pay 2 euros for a good bus service? I would.

Julian Zarb - Tourism Journalist

Jul 25th 2009, 15:10

The concept of residents parking in Sliema is not a bad idea, as far as the rationale goes; we need to complement this decision with the implementation of the transport reform (including the tram and buses and taxis) but we should also make sure that there are enough parking areas (multi storey or open spaces) even perhaps a park an ride system from Manoel Island or Gzira. Above all we need to change our attitude about using our cars for every small journey. And, yes, i agree residents with garages need to use them not occupy spaces unneccesarily!

Chris Mifsud

Jul 25th 2009, 14:50

I'm sorry , but i pay around 460 Euro a year for my road licence for 1 car alone and that means I have EVERY RIGHT to the same parking spaces as everyone else .

Who are the Sliema council to give parking preferences to some ?

If that is going to be the case i urge every single counclil in Malta & Gozo to do the same so that everyone including the Sliema mayor and whoever else aproved this stupid thing can suffer too .

The council are better off worrying about the damaged roads , damaged pavements all the cranes and trucks blocking the roads and creating dust everywhere rather than making hassles for everyone and giving the wardens an excuse to STEAL more money of people .

I for one state that if i have to go to Sliema and i have to park in one of these so called 1 hour zones , I will do so and I will stay as long as I want , be it 30 minutes or be it 30 Hours and I will NOT be paying any fines and I urge everyone else to do the same .

mario salnitro

Jul 25th 2009, 14:06

I fully agree with the sliema local council well done about time.
just one suggestion, people who own private parking places or garages should park there , i live in Sliema i know a many residents who park there cars in the street , and they own a garage!!!!!!

Sliema is not made up of shops and offices only ,do not forget the thousands of residents.



o

Joanne Micallef

Jul 25th 2009, 13:58

Maybe this decision was taken so people will opt to park in Tigne, which in turn will bring more business to the new shopping centre that is soon to be opened there.

Those that will decide not to bother will either opt to buy from outside Sliema or get their good online.

L.Zammit

Jul 25th 2009, 13:46

I hail from Sliema so both my parents still live there....... where am i supposed to park when I visit with their only grandchild?? Will more parking areas for non residents be created?

I M Dingli

Jul 25th 2009, 13:30

@ M Formosa

I'm sorry but if special permits will start being issued for this and that than we might as well scrap everything. Ghidli inti kif ha taqta linja. Jekk filkas jien irrid special permit ghax ghandi familjari Ghawdxin imma jien Malti u meta nitla Ghawdex inhallas daqshekk biex inzurhom!

M Agius

Jul 25th 2009, 13:25

The solution is an excellent bus transport system and not more cars. It seems that most people on that video see no further than their back side. I used to live in London which was one of the most congested Cities in the World and there with the congestion charge and an improved transport service,thanks to Mr Livingstone,the quality of life has improved tremendously. I can breathe reasonably good air now when I go, and getting on a bus is as easy as pie. No more hustle of trying to find an expensive and time wasting parking meter.

S. Calleja

Jul 25th 2009, 12:55

How about parking meters for non-residents? First hour free, second hour €3, third hour onwards €5 per hour. I believe that's how it's done in major European cities... there is only one public car park as far as I know and the spaces there fill up quickly. And before I get the silly reactions, what's the problem paying for parking? If you can't afford it, just don't go there. You won't go there anyway if you don't find parking... at least it saves you the hassle of wasting a half hour looking for parking under a scortching sun just to end up giving up in the end and going back home...

vincent a galea

Jul 25th 2009, 12:45

OONE SIMPLE ANSWER:

IMPROVE DRASTKICALLY PUBLIC TRANSPORT.......

IT WILL MAKE EVERYBODY HAPPY.

J.Borg

Jul 25th 2009, 12:30

I stopped going to Sliema for shopping long time ago. Parking is a problem and most of the time it is congested with traffic. I only go there for an occassional walk on the Sliema seafront and that's all. I seriously cannot understand why people pay premium prices to go live there. From what I hear and see it must be a nightmare living there. In my opinion, decent parking facilities would be a sound investment. At least people who want to go there can park somewhere even if at a reasonable cost. With the situation as it is, everyone is losing.

kat worley

Jul 25th 2009, 12:18

My kids will be seeing considerably less of their sliema grandparents. the public transport system is a joke at the best of times... Who wants to drag 3 young kids on 2 buses from zebbug to sliema not me thats for sure.

M Formosa

Jul 25th 2009, 12:10

Good to know something is to be done about the traffic problem in Sliema. I think a better study should have been done before taking this decision. My mother in law is 92 years old, and all her children live outside Sliema. From what I can gather, this decision by the local council is like giving the family 1 hour visitation rights to a woman who needs more time than that. Special permits must be issued to families in a matter like this.

a.tabone

Jul 25th 2009, 12:04

@ D.Buttigieg

Fully agree with your reasoning...........

@ i.m.dingli

Kollox ghalina.............

Peter Bonnici

Jul 25th 2009, 11:35

Sliema council ought to adopt the scheme used in Valletta, where only a small portion of spaces are exclusive to residents 24x7. The vast majority of residents leave town every morning and return late afternoon. So it stands to reason that the major portion of parking slots available exclusively for residents should be restricted to times between say 19.00 and 07.00.
What's the point of having spaces available and nobody to fill them? Its a waste of space and detrimental to businesses and shops in the area that make Sliema what it is.

I hope the council will have a rethink on this.

If I had to be honest, I think everybody makes a massive fuss when they don;t find parking right outside their door. I live in Sliema and when I did not have the use of a garage I would find parking, perhaps not right on my doorstep, but somewhere down the road. People come and go all the time so one is bound to find a space sooner or later.

And a short walk never killed anyone as far as I know....quite the contrary.

R. Borg

Jul 25th 2009, 11:19

Simple solution...

Efficient public transport, if we had efficient public transport nobody would care to pay the hefty road tax for the car, insurance, hassle to park etc...

But government is making good money from registration fee's, road tax's, expensive fuel etc....

;)

alex schembri

Jul 25th 2009, 11:16

Is pollution a priortity that needs attention in such shopping areas ? Parking will be available in Midi Car Car Park Soon . More Pedistrian streets in the centre will attract more shoppers not car and public transport passers by and window shoppers. Have a nice day ..

Galea. L

Jul 25th 2009, 11:15

J Oatmon
As if we are not paying more than enough taxes!!!

Steven Schiavone
Why don't YOU park elsewhere Stephen?

Rocco Cauchi
You are perfectly correct. Now we have lots of demi-Gods in the form of local counselors and mayors.

Joseph Galea

Jul 25th 2009, 11:14

The only solution for Malta - not just Sliema - is for some form of severe restriction on the registration of new cars. 300,000 cars for a population of just over 400,000 is insane and just not viable in the land area we have. Draconian laws are required whereby only one car per occupied property should be allowed and then only if that car has a place to be parked on the property, such as exists in Bermuda, another island with a very small land mass and a population of around 65,000. I would gladly give up my car for the environmental benefits that would result from the reduction of cars on the road. However, this is a dream since no politician will have the wherewithal to take this on. It might be political suicide but it is the right thing to do.

c.Spiteri

Jul 25th 2009, 10:52

@ O. Galea


Trasport publiku?????!!!!

C. Farrugia

Jul 25th 2009, 10:49

addendum: In my area it is also a nightmare with parking. I can't use my car for any errands in the morning. If I attempt to do so, 99.9% of the time I'd have to wait for at least 5pm to return home and find a spot!! This is not just a Sliema problem.

On the other hand, A WORKING ALTERNATIVE should have been explored before taking such drastic decisions (since Sliema is indeed a business hub). I never use my car to Sliema because of the parking headache, but what is the alternative??? Two weeks ago around 4pm, I waited 45 minutes to catch a bus from Gzira to Sliema. 5 buses passed: all full up, and I missed my appointment!! It is a total MESS!!

I M Dingli

Jul 25th 2009, 10:48

In my opinion with this new strategy in place, most of the Sliema promenade would be deserted or rather, used by the few previleged Sliema residents. With this scenario, the local council could alter the promenade and reduce the kerbs' size from 10 meters to maybe 2 meters (just like we have in the rest of Malta). This way a LOT of parking spaces will be available once again. Kuntenti hekk Sliema residents jew tridu kollox ghalikom?!?

C.ZARB

Jul 25th 2009, 10:46

Some people tend to try to excuse the government by comparing our situation with others in Europe

a) First of all, we are not England. Malta's salaries are ridiculous and not everyone can afford parking his car in the car park

b) Our public transport is laughable.

c) Compared to abroad, Malta is a city by itself. So we are not discriminating between one locality and another but (in Europe's term) by one street and another.

Our beloved MPs must not forget that not everyone has had a 290 euros per week pay rise in the middle of a recession. There again, they will soon remember that once general elections will be at the doors.

D Buttigieg

Jul 25th 2009, 10:45

Ipartly agree with parking reserved for residents. However what i do not agree with is the fact that on the other hand, residents can park where they like. Take Valletta for example. They have the parking reserved at all times and then there is the other which is only after 7pm. Laos there is the parking in white. This should be reserved for non residents only. I is not fair that residents park on the white lind parking to reserve it for friends and relatives ant then they shift their cars in the residents parking. Non-residents (of any locality) pay the same amount or road-tax; no more no less. So in order to fully agree with this scheme, irrelevant of the locality, resident must be fined if they are parked in non-resident reserved parking. This will curb the abuse.

W Galea

Jul 25th 2009, 10:38

I think it is inevitable that some (perhaps) many people will shift their buying habits and explore places where it will be easier to park.

How about setting up a 'Park and Ride' service just like the one in Valletta. I am sure a siutable parking area will be found within a 5 km Radius.

E. Azzopardi

Jul 25th 2009, 10:36

Well, if anything less polution. Thanks

Adrian Borg

Jul 25th 2009, 10:33

@ Steven Schiavone

So a little walk is healthy for non-Sliema residents, but Sliema residents are so fit by nature that they can't do with a bit of exercise? (or is it the opposite LOL)

Btw, living in Sliema must really be like living in cuckoo land! What's so laughable about Mark Piscopo's comment? It's the plain truth that right now businesses need a push and not a scheme, such as this one, to drive their customers away!

I for one, will put in my two cents (just like you did) and will park in the nearest parking space I find when I go to Sliema, whether it is discriminally reserved or not. If I find a ticket, I will give hell to all those concerned to pay it, which I'm sure in the end will win the case, just like was done with the Pieta` reserved parking. I also encourage anyone who gets a ticket to fight it as well. They will either have to remove it or else will need so much man-power to keep up that they will start working at a loss!

Carla Mifsud

Jul 25th 2009, 10:33

@Rocco Cauchi,

You comparison of Italy’s unification and the parking scheme is at best ludicrous. Just to let you know there are similar parking schemes all over Italy. and since 1871 its still been one country.
And why mention Guy Fawkes? Ah you mention Italy and something British because most likely you are not aware of other counties in the world.

Just to let you know, for your own little amusement, Germany unified in the same year Italy did. Germans have parking schemes too. BTW Germany is still one country!

m anastasi

Jul 25th 2009, 10:33

I don't know why people find Sliema so intriguing..I moved out ages ago & wouldn't even dare pass through it with my bike....it's overcrowded, congested & stinks of re used frying pans.
I sympathize with visitors having family living there & all those "outsiders" employed there.
The way I see it is that business is trying to be re directed to the new Tigne complex,,where of course there is ample parking:)

C.ZARB

Jul 25th 2009, 10:32

Mr Galea parking is a problem nearly everywhere. That is why I invested in a garage.

There again, I happen not to be a Slimiz.

O Galea

Jul 25th 2009, 10:28

@Joe Galea

X'ghandu x'jaqsam il-vot. Parking huwa problema kbira kullimkien u Malta izjed minhabba l-ispazju rstrett u n-numru kbIr ta' vetturi. Tas-Sliema tal-biki. Ir-resident ghandhu jkollu ftit preferenza. Min joqghod hawn jista jghid. U hafna gew jinvestu hawn, farku ta-Sliema, qalghu hafna liri u ikkontribixew mill-anqas. Wasal z-zmien li jidhol ftit kontrol. Ghandu jiddahhal il-pay-as-u-park principle u n-nies tuza' izjed it-trasport pubbliku. Ghandhu jkun kollox minsug mar-riforma li qedin issemmu tat-trasport. U mela kollox politika.

C.ZARB

Jul 25th 2009, 10:27

I wonder if the PN lackeys would want my vote again. I mean I happen to be not one of the privileged few from Sliema.

C. Farrugia

Jul 25th 2009, 10:24

I can understand the nightmare of not finding parking space on returning home. BUT this is not ONLY a Sliema residents' problem. And it is not fair. If a Sliema resident comes to my town because it is his place of work, he/she can just leave their car parked in *MY* spot for the whole day, whilst I cannot do the same if I happen to work in Sliema!!!!!

Tonna J.

Jul 25th 2009, 10:22

HEQQ, M'HEMMX X'TAGHMEL. IKOLLNA NIEHDU PACENZJA 4 SNIN OHRA, IMBAGHAD TARAW KIF MALTA SSIR GENNA TAL-ART.

Andrew Scicluna

Jul 25th 2009, 10:21

@ Adam Wilson:

Have you ever been to Nice, France?

Mark Piscopo

Jul 25th 2009, 10:13

@Steven Schiavone
Kindly note that for me and you there will be no problem if we park in Gzira if you find a parking but for the majority they will find it a very drastic problem.Hope that it was too funny for you to comment but honestly it is not funny to Sliema businesses in these recessionary times.

Adam Wilson

Jul 25th 2009, 10:10

Malta is the worst place on the planet for parking , It needs attention NOW

M. Vassallo

Jul 25th 2009, 10:05

It seems Sliema Local Council has joined ADT in the use of pseudo-science to manage traffic with the new parking restrictions. As Dr Mumby, my traffic economics tutor used to insist when I was still studying at Oxford many moons ago, most of the traffic problems and bottlenecks are produced by pseudo planners and all-knowledgeable politicians! He has one more case in Malta, especially in Sliema. We have far too many pseudo-scienctists in Malta, especially at ADT and now it seems, at Local Council level.

Perhaps what we all should do is isolate the Slimizi and leave them to their own devices... and keep isolating them even when they wake up from this silly dream. The aging population of Sliema is a clear indicator of what is already taking place!

P Debono

Jul 25th 2009, 10:04

Yet another ridiculous scheme which is a death-blow to Sliema businesses in these recessionary times.

The huge question here is: What is stopping people from building underground? In foreign (i.e. serious) countries there are metros, trains, car-parks and many other forms of infrastructure underground. But obviously, being an under-developed country with corrupt politicians, we cannot think of the right solution for the taxpayer.

Steven Schiavone

Jul 25th 2009, 10:03

"Tragedy! No parking! Where will THEY all park?"

My two cents' -- why don't you all MOANERS do us all a favour and park your vehicles elsewhere (Gzira? St. Julian's?) -- a little walking here will help you engage a healthier lifestyle for your very own sake.

@ Mark Piscopo -- too funny to comment

Galea. L

Jul 25th 2009, 09:57

Dizastru iehor minn kunsilliera u kunsill lokali idjoti u arroganti li jahsbu li saru xi Allat ghax saru bicca kunsillier. Kemm jitlalhom malajr il-poter ghal rashom!!!!!!!

Kulhadd ghandu jinjora s-sistema ghax hija DISKRIMINATORJA u ghalhekk ILLEGALI u jekk issibu ticket ibghatu petizzjoni registrata lill-Bord ghall-Petizzjonijiet Kaxxa Postali 41 Valletta.
Ghamlu referenza ghall-kaz deċiż mill-Prim’Awla tal-Qorti Ċivili u ċioe’ BORG MARIA VICTORIA ET vs SINDKU U SEG ESEKUTTIV IN RAPP TAL-KUNSILL LOKALI PIETA fejn il-Qorti ddeċidiet li din is-sistema hija diskriminatorja u ultra vires il-poteri tal-Kunsilli Lokali.

Ghamlu u ibghatu kopja tar-rapport fil-Malta Today tal-Hadd 6 ta' Lulju 2008 li tistghu tnizzluh minn fuq http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/2008/07/06/n3.html fejn l-ADT wiegbet lir-residenti ta' H'Attard li riedu li jsir parkegg ghar-residenti ghal SAGHTEJN biss u qaltilhom li dawn ma jigux approvati ghax huma DISKRIMINATORJI.

Thallux lil-kunsilliera u sindki idjoti u arroganti jiksru d-drittijiet taghkom.
SFIDAWHOM.

Rocco Cauchi

Jul 25th 2009, 09:57

Italy became a nation when little princes and princedoms stopped fighting each other and joined forces to form one sovereign state.
We seem not to be taking the lesson and are splitting up Malta into small fiefdoms where locality and barony count more than anything else.
Progress is regress... how true in a country which cannot find its feet and is still suggesting to build Parliament on jittery stilettos!
Guy Fawkes would have "flown away" in high spirits on the idea.

J Oatmon

Jul 25th 2009, 09:55

In the past I could rarely park in Sliema, many cars are parked all day almost everywhere.

Now Sliema will be a 'drive by' place for me and many others I suspect - so what is to be done?

More off street parking is the answer, coupled with parking meters in the 'non residents only' streets. This will still allow shoppers to stop for say an hour, at a small charge or free, and then hefty charges kick in after the hour is up to discourage 'all day parking'.

The parking meters would provide the funds (and jobs) for several Parking Meter Attendants, who would write the tickets for the enevitable parking meter abuses. Multiple parking meter 'overstay' abuse should be severely dealt with by the authorities.

Charles Alamango

Jul 25th 2009, 09:55

Brilliant!! Was living with my family in Sliema for some 3-4 years, had to leave due to traffic chaos and huge parking/ Warden/Traffic police problems. So NOW Addio Sliema we will not even bother to TRY to visit Sliema. By the way we also cannot visit MARSA, B'BUGIA BALZAN for obvious reasons, is this 'Malta tal Maltin or what. I heartfully thank the great THINKERS who dream of these great schemes to put us all in misery.

Joe Galea

Jul 25th 2009, 09:50

@Mark Piscop: Jiehdu pacenzja jridu, mhux huma vvutawlu bi rpobabbilta' li jergghu jivvutawlu? C'est la vie!!

Mark Piscopo

Jul 25th 2009, 09:38

DAQQA MORTALI!
Din hija daqqa mortali ghal familja tieghi li ghandhol il-hwienet tas Sliema. Bizzejjed li naqas il bejh ahseb wara issa. Iddispjacuti hafna iz zijiet tieghi!