Motorists fond of the popular Għajn Tuffieħa bay are furious after receiving parking fines despite parking according to traffic regulations.

The Times of Malta last week reported how parking tickets were being issued to motorists who parked along the road leading to the beach when their vehicles crossed the white line marking the lane.

The transport authorities explained that parking this way was a violation of traffic rules and the fines were being issued as cars were not meant to cross the white lines. Cars that did cross into the road leading to the beach were making it difficult for buses to navigate corners, and the authority had received complaints from operators urging it to take action, a spokesman said.

I read that I had to park between the line and the wall and I did, but I still got fined. I’ll be contesting this

However, it would appear that motorists may not have to cross into the lane at all to earn themselves a citation.

One motorist, who asked not to be named, said he had received a ticket for parking between the white line and the rubble wall that runs along the road to the beach.

He said he had visited the beach every weekend for the past several weeks and parked in almost the exact same spot every time – not obstructing the road.

“You can imagine my surprise when one Sunday, I left the beach and found that although I was parked legally, I had been fined,” he said.

“I took photos and will be contesting this fine as it is unacceptable,” the motorist added.

He was not alone, as another bather who had parked in a similar spot near the beach also said she had received a ticket for parking between the line and the wall.

“I read that I had to park between the line and the wall, and I did, but I still got fined. I’ll be contesting this,” she said.

Also known as Riviera, the bay attracts hundreds of bathers every week of the busy summer months, many of whom often park along the side of the road leading there.

Transport Malta said last week that it was looking into a solution that would ensure access for buses while providing parking solutions for bathers.

While parking along parts of the road will be a no-go, other sections which were wide enough for buses to pass would likely have parking spots introduced, the authority said.