St Paul’s Bay, Buġibba and Qawra have a major parking problem, especially in the summer months and at weekends throughout the year.

While everyone appreciates the development that has taken place and the increased business it has generated in the area, at the same time it has taken up over 300 car parking spaces to the detriment of those who live there all the year round and thousands of Maltese families who spend summer there, tourists who hire cars, and the business community.

Trying to find a parking place in the circumstances has become so frustrating, especially for those who live there, who are obliged to park quite some distance away from their home.

This issue should be tackled seriously – it cannot be soon enough. I am sure, for instance, that government-owned unused land could be turned into car parks within a reasonable distance for permanent and temporary residents.

After all, car owners are paying dearly to put their cars on the road, what with hefty registration fees, VAT, road tax, servicing, insurance, fuel, etc, so they should not be deprived of getting full value for their vehicles.