Some time ago a lady journalist wondered why one cannot find any catering outlets in Valletta in the evening.

I would like to rephrase that question: Why is the government and/or local council waging a holy war on catering outlets in Valletta?

I love to go to Valletta at night but every time I do I am risking a fine.

Residents are given parking space between blue and green lines so why should they insist on parking between the white lines as well, leaving quite a few of “their” bays empty?

Market Square in the evening is reserved for the cars of our “representatives” during the sittings of Parliament. Fair enough. Why is it then that the public is fined for using the same parking space when Parliament is not in session, for example on Saturday evening?

Then, there is Castille Square?.

During the day it’s fine to park on Castille Square, on both sides, even on the zebra crossing or exactly on the corner, forcing drivers to move to the wrong side of the road (provided, of course, you are a taxi). Come the evening, however, and policemen and wardens are dishing out tickets to their hearts’ content.

Once I was issued with a ticket at 10.25 p.m. When I asked about it, the answer was that Castille Place is a sensitive area and therefore has to be kept free due to security. Rubbish!

It seems security is not breached when there are meetings, receptions, dinners, etc. at Castille; when there are weddings and parties and other functions held at Upper Barrakka Gardens and the square is reserved for the guests and outside catering vehicles etc. Yet, security is breached on all other evenings.

Finally, could someone please explain why the ramp leading to the Central Bank annexe and the parking place in front of the Central Bank is reserved for authorised vehicles only? Which vehicles are authorised to use these spaces? And how can someone get an authorisation?