Vehicles will no longer be allowed to enter certain parts of the Majjistral Nature and History Park in Mellieħa unless in possession of a special permit.

The management of the park is finalising measures to restrict access to motorised vehicles to reduce negative impacts on this protected area and encourage more people to take walks in the park. The current uncontrolled vehicular access increases littering, vandalism, soil erosion and habitat degradation.

Cars and motorbike owners will need a special permit granted under certain conditions, normally where the applicant needs to access property or for agricultural purposes, to be allowed entry into particular areas.

Entrance to the park will continue to be freely accessible at any time on foot or by bicycle but pedestrians should stick to existing paths to protect the flora and fauna as well as the landscape.

The park can be reached by buses leading to Golden Bay, Manikata or Mellieħa Bay and parking space is available at three main areas leading into the park: Anchor Bay, Golden Bay and Manikata church.

Applications for permits can be downloaded from www.majjistral.org.