The Sliema council today expressed its "extreme disappointment" that 18 months of discussions for the introduction of a residents’ parking scheme had fallen through and appealed for something to be done about the situation.

Addressing a news conference this morning, mayor Anthony Chircop recalled that the council had attempted to introduce a residents’ parking scheme in 2012 but was stopped by the authorities following an outcry of complaints by the Malta Union of Teachers and shop owners.

The council, he said, insisted that said locality would benefit from such a scheme which was also implemented in other localities.

Now, he said, the parking problem has become worse, development had increased and more people were visiting the community.

He noted that, in June 2013, the council was surprised with a legal notice prohibiting such a scheme specifically in Sliema.

Following that, Mr Chircop said, the council embarked on discussions with the Transport Minister and Transport Malta and was told that the government was seeking to introduce a holistic scheme for the whole of Malta.

The council was informed last September that the study was concluded and was going to be presented to Cabinet.

But, a month ago, it was informed that scheme was to be put on hold to study the impact of public transport now that there was a new operator.

The council, Mr Chircop said, was are extremely disappointed that everything was being put on hold after 18 months of discussions and appealed for something to be done about the situation.

Since a similar scheme existed in other localities, he said, Sliema should not be an exception.