Parking spaces reserved for people with a disability should not be personalised except in particular cases, according to the National Commission for Disabled People.

Following complaints about reserved parking, KNPD said the allocation should depend on the needs of the person, including their physical condition and the availability of parking space nearby.

There have been several changes to the system in the past years, with periods when personalised parking was allowed and times when it was discontinued.

At the moment, people who want a personalised parking space and are already in possession of a blue badge have to apply to Transport Malta, which investigates the case to decide whether to grant a permit.

Earlier this year, Transport Minister Joe Mizzi said the authorities had decided against reserved parking for disabled people. He was replying to a question in Parliament by Nationalist MP Toni Bezzina on whether those who applied for a reserved parking space outside their home could have that slot personalised.

When contacted, Oliver Scicluna, the new KNPD chairman, said the system was open to abuse and as a regulator the commission could not fight for the rights of disabled people without understanding the parking problem in Malta.

KNPD was holding talks with Transport Malta about a fair service for those who really needed it, he said.

This could be someone who used a wheelchair and would not be able to get out of the vehicle if they parked in a regular space and another driver parked right behind them.

Also, parents would not be able to drop off a child with challenging behaviour while looking for a parking slot.