The association representing the Sliema business community yesterday evening hit out at Sliema council’s plans for a residential parking scheme.

It said its views were never sought by the council.

“The timing of the residential parking scheme implementation on the eve of local council elections only points to an electoral gimmick as a vote-catching exercise,” the association said.

It asked whether any studies had been carried out by the council as to how the scheme would affect residents, businesses in Sliema and employees who work there.

The association said it advocated timed parking spaces in the immediate vicinity of the main shopping area. It said the car park opposite St Anne Square should be turned into a pay-and-display area, with the funds going to the council.

The new scheme, which imposes restricted hours on half of the parking spaces in Sliema, will be launched towards the end of the month and implemented across the whole locality within six months.

The first place where it will be introduced is the Dingli Street area.

The scheme will apply to half the parking bays available. Non-residents will not be able to occupy the same spot for more than two hours between 8am and 9pm and will not be able to return within the hour.

Such restrictions will not apply to residents who display a local council permit on their car.