Sliema residents who arrive home late

Having a residential parking scheme in Sliema partly helps the residents but it is not going to solve the real problem which is space.

During the last five to 10 years the population in Sliema increased substantially.

Unfortunately, Mepa gave and continues to give permits for more construction and allows the building of flats without garages to accommodate the residents of those particular flats as long as a fine is paid by the builder.

Garages are being sold separately and quite a number of residents do not pay the excessive high prices being asked of them, making it impossible for them and all the other residents to find a parking spot throughout the day and night.

It is extremely unfair for Sliema residents who arrive after 1 a.m. (when parking spaces in the whole area are taken up by residents' cars and not visitors or shoppers) not to find a parking space anywhere and have sleepless nights because they are almost certain they will be fined by the local council if they park on a pavement.

One resident has had five parking fines in the last six weeks and this is because she arrives home from work late at night or early in the morning.

Surely, it is discriminatory for the residents to continue to be fined when it is beyond their control to do otherwise simply because there is no space!