A residential parking scheme in Sliema would put pressure on workers and businesses in the locality, the General Workers' Union has warned. 

While it acknowledged the parking problem in Sliema, the GWU said any introduction of a residential parking scheme should only be done after a holistic study which takes into consideration the "constant economic development" in the locality. 

The Sliema council has warned it will file court action against the Ministry of Transport after the locality's residents' parking scheme was stopped.

The council said that while the ministry had raised doubts about residents' support for such a scheme, a survey it had commissioned showed that 72 per cent were actually in favour.

But the GWU said the Sliema council cannot forget the hundreds of workers from other localities who work in the seaside town.

The union said it would request meetings with employers to compensate workers for any paid parking schemes.

"It's pointless introducing paid parking schemes if the locality is failing to provide alternative parking."

A study should be carried out to study the impact of residential apartments, new businesses and the expansion of hotels.