Solution to parking problems (4)

The proposed Residents Parking Scheme for Sliema requires much more thought before it can be implemented. The proposals to exempt from parking restrictions persons who work in Sliema and tourists resident in Sliema are both steps in the right direction. However, Sliema has a large number of aged residents who do not drive. These should each be given two parking permits which their visitors would be able to display on their car dash-board. This system works very well in many European cities with parking restrictions. The proposal that streets with parking on both sides should have one side restricted to residents only is an open invitation to the same abuse that is already happening in Valletta. It is an unwritten rule among Valletta residents that they should try to park in a white slot, leaving the blue and green slots as their protected reserve. I often attend social activities in the evening in Valletta. During an average 10-minute hunt for a white slot I can usually count well over 100 un-occupied blue and green slots, both of which are reserved for residents after 7 p.m.

I suggest that all parking slots should be of exactly the same type, except of course those reserved for persons with restricted ability. It is enough that residents will be able to park for an indefinite time while others will be subjected to time restrictions.