Valletta becomes another silent capital

Some two years ago I had written a letter to The Times with regard to the introduction of the CVA system and the allotment of green, blue and white parking spaces in Valletta. The letter never made it to print.

At that time I had foreseen the adverse effect on business in Valletta precisely because the people who usually drive into Valletta were going to find it extremely difficult to find a parking space, even if they were being charged for having entered Valletta and remaining there for more than 30 minutes.

Preposterous. If your stay is 35 minutes long you are charged for one hour. Otherwise use the park and ride, was the answer by the man charged with issuing such regulations.

Businesses in Valletta have suffered the consequences and this year’s Christmas sales dropped by an average 45 per cent.

Valletta was a buzzing city in terms of business and commerce, with clients coming in non-stop, parking was unlimited and visitors, including shoppers, could still find a parking space here and there.

After the CVA was introduced, most of the remaining parking spaces were taken over by members of Parliament and, presumably, their secretaries.

The man on top has decided to have a Parliament building right at the entrance to Valletta, taking up the whole square there. Has anyone ever seen a Parliament building right at the entrance to a capital city? This square could have easily solved all of Valletta’s parking problems had some thought been given to it. It could have easily taken parking as road level and also at least four floors underground, with entrances and exits through Republic Street and underground exiting the ditch at Sa Maison.

I cannot say whether it is already too late but somebody must do something to bring back life to business in the capital.

Valletta has slowly been turned into another silent city.