The FOR.U.M group of trade unions complained today about arbitrary fees by various parkers, saying parkers in Valletta and Sliema were estimated to make €1,000 a day.

In a statement, the group said that in various locations around Malta, parking attendants (many of whom were without any identification) were arbitrarily imposing parking fees without any publication or notification.

"This blatant abuse has now become the order of the day, adding extra expenses on workers notably those on a minimum wage.

"In Valletta and Sliema, this abuse has now been going on for quite some time. To add insult to injury, no VAT receipts are issued and many a time when motorists return  to their car especially at night, the parking attendant is nowhere to be seen. Most attendants are now charging a minimum of two Euros. An attendant in Valletta collects two Euros per car in a parking space which can hold at least 300 cars. With cars coming in and out, the average daily income of this parker is, at least, €1000 a day and with no VAT receipt given. The same applies to a parker at the Sliema Ferries."

"Workers who use their own cars are now paying an average of  €8 to €10 a week or about €35 a month. This abuse has now reached its peak and apparently the worse is still to come as Private Companies are taking over, the group said.

It appealed to the competent authorities and the Police to seriously look into the matter and bring these law breakers to book. It also asked if tax authorities are looking into the matter.