In search of the perfect Sliema parking scheme

The ongoing quest to achieve the perfect Sliema residential parking scheme has now long been in the papers, where with every modification to improve, another hitch comes into sight.

The fact that all of Sliema roads are proposed to be converted into a residential parking zone will work well for me (a Sliema resident), but the shops and offices must not be forgotten.

Therefore a permit, that may be acquired from the Sliema local council, should be issued for the community who work in Sliema.

A permit allowing the holder to park from 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. (average office working hours) and another allowing parking up until 7.30 p.m. (average closing time of shops) would allow the Sliema residents coming home from work after 5 or 7 p.m. to find a reasonable amount of free parking space.

As for customers who come to Sliema to shop and have a relaxing day, whether it's at shops, cafés or beaches, they would be able to park in a centralised car park where a similar system to the park and ride scheme may be implemented, where the fees collected may go to improve Sliema's roads as suggested by the Sliema local council.

As for customers coming to Sliema for a service in shops established in the core of Sliema, the two-hour parking restriction will be more than enough to buy groceries or keep a hair appointment.

This system may also have many hitches but it may be a step closer to the perfect Sliema residential parking scheme.