Adrian Gatt, Sliema
Dangerous parking practice by Sliema police
Recently, a police car was parked on the pedestrian crossing (illegally) on Manwel Dimech Street, Sliema, just in front of the police station. Behind it another car belonging to the police was parked in its reserved parking bay at a distance of less than four metres from the same crossing (illegal as well, according to the Highway Code). In front of the police station, one of the parking places was vacant at the time.
Crossing this road away from the police station is a most dangerous blind spot for both pedestrians and drivers coming up Manwel Dimech Street. In fact, many cars do not stop at the crossing due to lack of visibility.
With this extra car parked there, the situation is made worse. A blatant abuse of power it seems. I kindly ask the Police Commissioner to take note and action and the Sliema local council to remove this hazard immediately.
Way back in March 2007, prior to placing the railing in front of the police station, I had asked for the area to be arranged in such a way as to make it safe for pedestrians.
By widening the pavement to the side of the police station and shifting the pedestrian crossing further down, a safe passage is created for pedestrians who do not have to cross the police parking area, as well as enough space for two police vehicles, plus improved visibility for pedestrians and drivers alike when the crossing is used. No other parking spaces would be lost and the area would be made safe. And the expense is rather manageable. I hope this time round, this advice will be heeded before it is too late. This area is used quite heavily by traffic and pedestrians alike.
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Peter Gatt
Dec 30th 2009, 21:52
Mr Tabone-Adami. The reserved parking in question is for the A/C of Police not just any police officer's vehicle. However, to add insult to injury this is ILLEGAL as it violates the Malta Highway code as shown below.
"232. Do not park or let your vehicles stand:
• on or within 4 metres of a pedestrian crossing, from the side of oncoming traffic or within the limits of zig-zag lines on the approach side of the crossing."
(http://www.doi.gov.mt/EN/archive/HighwaycodeEng/part7E.asp)
Cars parked in the bay are obstructing the view of both drivers and pedestrians. I know as I pass from there frequently as a driver and pedestrian.
Should you wish to view recent photos of this click on the following link:
http://www.sra.org.mt/onlyinsliema
John Matthews
Dec 30th 2009, 21:40
@ I Gech
You are so right.
Look at the road signs outside the police station at B'Bugia. I have witnessed an ice-cream vendor stopped outside the police station actually selling ice-creams to the police..
j grech
Dec 30th 2009, 19:47
Why not take a look at b.bugia police station the cops there do it every day and when they are not doing it themselves they are chatting to a mate who happens to be passing and stops on the crossing.
John Matthews
Dec 30th 2009, 17:17
As far as I am concerned the police are there to UPHOLD the law not to INTERPRET it OR more importantly ABUSE it. Likewise the police have a duty to prosecute members of the public who are illegally parked.
Joe Tabone-Adami
Dec 30th 2009, 16:09
For the record: there are reserved parking spaces at the top of Manwel Dimech Street, adjacent to the Sliema Police station, clearly marked "reserved for Police vehicles" These are invariably occupied by private vehicles belonging to the officers on duty at the station. These vehicles are not, repeat not, Police vehicles - and their owners have no right, just because they wear their blue uniform, to park them there. Period. Sliema Superintendent, please note!