Why the Sliema residents' parking scheme was stopped

Transport Minister Joe Mizzi this evening gave reasons why the government stopped the Sliema residents' parking scheme.

He said Sliema Local Council started the scheme in its locality on the basis of a Legal Notice issued by the previous administration on the eve of the general election – six years after the scheme was conceived.

The launching of the scheme had been linked to conditions which were not observed. For example, there was no six-month trial period and consultation had not been held with all interested parties, such as the teachers' union.

Furthermore, Mr Mizzi said, circumstances, such as traffic arrangements and the volume of traffic, had changed since the scheme was conceived. Those who had initially agreed with the council on the scheme now did not.

In view of the way the scheme was introduced, the Cabinet felt it should be temporarily suspended for further evaluation.