I was surprised to read Margaret Farrugia’s letter on the parking scheme in Sliema (February 27). Local councils have the prerogative and duty to put the interests of the residents in their locality at the forefront of their programme. This is precisely what the present Sliema council, ably led by the mayor, Anthony Chircop, will be doing when the long- awaited parking scheme comes into force. Many residents I meet in Sliema, especially the elderly, complain about the problems they face daily because of lack of parking spaces. The elderly are prisoners in their own homes. They dare not use their car as they will find no parking space on their return. They have to rely on others to bring their heavy shopping. The times when they do use their car they are harassed, on their return while unloading their shopping, by impatient motorists waiting to drive by.

My own relatives rarely visit me for the simple reason that it is a nightmare to find a place to park. This scheme will now allow me to enjoy their presence and company in the comfort of my home. So I find it strange that Farrugia has reached the conclusion that the majority prefer the status quo.

Perhaps her opinion is influenced by visitors and workers who daily commute to Sliema. This is precisely the problem as workers tend to daily occupy parking spaces for at least eight hours. The scheme being presented will free up these spaces, making it possible for there to be a higher turnover of cars (translating into visitors), which is beneficial to the business community. Residents will readily find a parking space rather than having to drive round and round for some time and eventually having to park a considerable distance away from their residence. I am sure special permits will be considered for helpers, doctors and all those who provide a service.

So, all in all, I believe that a residents’ parking scheme will have a positive impact on the Slimiżi. After all, similar schemes have been a success for a long time in other parts of Malta. Why not in Sliema?