Loss of parking spaces hurting Valletta

The number of parking space within Valletta has depleted significantly in the last few months. The economic, social and cultural viability of any urban area is dependent on access that includes both private and public transport.

This loss of parking is now clearly damaging the city's vitality. The Valletta Alive Foundation calls on the government to come up with practical solutions as soon as possible. When parking for residents and the CVA were being introduced, the approach was to provide one parking space in the Park and Ride for every parking space lost within the city.

That was a correct approach. That approach seems to have been abandoned because parking spaces are being lost by the dozen and no new spaces are being provided in the Park and Ride or anywhere else.

The foundation has backed the CVA from its concept and was involved in its setting up since early days. At that time, the Minister for Infrastructure had promised that all yellow parking spaces, including those for ministries, were to be removed to create more parking spaces in Valletta. Unfortunately, today, the exact opposite is happening.

In fact, over 100 spaces for Parliament personnel have been unfairly changed from white or blue boxes to yellow ones!

Also green, blue and yellow parking spaces are increasing at the expense of white ones.

The foundation has lobbied various ministries and departments on this issue. It has been argued that the trend is for town centres to discourage parking within the town or cities so that people would switch to public transport. This is a mistaken and dangerous concept.

Towns and cities across Europe offer choice between public transport and substantial parking provision within or close to urban centres. All thriving city centres have a good supply of parking and a pricing mechanism which discourages long-term parking close to the city centre.

From feedback received by the foundation, it is clear that business in Valletta is suffering because it has become increasingly difficult to find parking. This is not, however, just about commercial activity. It is also about the social and cultural life of the capital.

The opportunity to provide ample and easily accessible parking within Valletta has now been lost with the City Gate development. Now that the decision has been taken, the government needs to act swiftly to provide alternative solutions. The foundation acknowledges that the government is investing in numerous projects in Valletta and that these projects are of central importance to the city's regeneration. On the other hand, it is pointless talking about regenerating Valletta when all decisions and actions being taken are clearly having the opposite effects.

The author is chairman of the Valletta Alive Foundation.