Only 22 places reserved for MPs in summer - ministry

The Transport Ministry said today that when Parliament is not in session, only 22 parking spaces are reserved for Members of Parliament in Valletta - "a number so small compared to the 3000 spaces that are available that it makes no material difference to the availability of parking for shoppers in Valletta."

Reacting to a statement issued yesterday by the The Chamber of Commerce, the ministry observed that when the Vhamber had failed to day in its statement was the simple fact that the 22 reserved spaces are located in front of its offices.

"This 'neighbourly' interest would have been understandable if the Chamber declared it from the outset, " the ministry said.

"Incidentally, a small number of spaces reserved for Parliamentary business throughout the year is not a recent invention. This has been the practice for the last 20 years at least," it added.

"As everyone is aware Transport Malta's policy is to minimise reserved spaces to ensure their efficient use as much as possible. It is Parliament itself, through its Speaker's office and its Permanent Committee on Parliamentary Business that has repeatedly confirmed its view that a number of spaces reserved for Parliamentarians in close proximity to the Parliament building on a year-round basis is necessary for the conduct of Parliamentary business.

"Should Parliament indicate that it does not require the reserved space anymore, Transport Malta will be only too happy to comply," the ministry said.