Cars and motorbikes will not be allowed entry into certain areas of the Il-Majjistral nature and history park in Mellieħa, unless a special permit is granted under certain conditions, the management of the park said.

The management said this was being done as part of its plans to reduce the negative impact on this protected area and to encourage more visitors to walk in the park.

The current situation with uncontrolled vehicular access was contributing to continuous littering, disturbance and vandalism as well as aggravating the existing problem of soil erosion and habitat degradation, the management said.

Entrance to the park will continue to be freely accessible at any time on foot or by bicycle but pedestrians should stick to existing paths to protect the flora and fauna as well as the landscape.

The park can be reached by buses leading to Golden Bay/Manikata or Mellieħa Bay and parking can easily be found at three main areas leading into the park – Anchor Bay, Golden Bay and Manikata church.

Application for permits can be downloaded from www.majjistral.org.