Anger over loss of 62 parking spaces

The association grouping the Sliema Business Community (SBC) said today that it was 'totally disappointed' about the removal of 62 parking spaces to make way for a bus lane on the Tigne Sea Front.

The bus lane was announced yesterday as part of an agreement reached between Transport Malta and Arriva to deviate buses away from Bisazza Street.

Sliema local council has also expressed disagreement.

The SBC said its members were never told of any talks with Arriva about the bus lane.

It said that over the past three years, its representatives held talks with the government on the €3 million paid in Commuted Parking Payment Schemes by  Sliema businesses to create additional parking spaces in Sliema. Although many areas were mentioned, no conclusions were reached.

"This latest development goes completely against the spirit of the Private Public Partnership discussions so conscientiously entered into during the past few years."

The association urged the government to immediately reinstate the 62 car parking spaces and find an alternative solution to Arriva.

"After all, Arriva have not contributed €3 million to The Sliema Business Community," it said.