Whoever is responsible for traffic wardens should reconsider their proper role in view of the following cases:

1. Saqqajja Square, Rabat: The four parking places reserved for the handicapped were taken up: one by a blue sticker holder and the rest by taxis, so I parked in the only parking place available in the slots on the square across from the HSBC Bank.

When I returned to the car, I found a female warden giving me a ticket. I asked why since my car was parked within the lines. No, it wasn't she said: it extended by more than two feet from the back. I pointed out that the length of the parking space was more suitable for a Mini than my car. Her reply: "Then you should change your car for a Mini, ha, ha, ha."

I asked about the fact that I had a blue sticker while the taxis didn't. Her curt reply: "That's none of your business!"

2. St Luke's Hospital next to the prosthesis unit: As there were no spaces free, I parked my car in the area where I have parked for the last 12 years. There was a new 'No Parking' sign, but I knew that the way I had parked did not cause any obstruction since I have seen numerous ambulances passing through without difficulty. In addition to my blue sticker, the lady in charge of the unit, knowing that I cannot walk far and I handle slopes with great difficulty, gave me a card to display on the windscreen, stating that I was a patient visiting the unit.

When I came out there were seven cars parked in the area: four displayed the blue sticker and were all clamped; the other three without blue stickers were not. While I was paying the Lm15 fine to be unclamped, I asked why the discrimination. "None of your business," I was told. "Just don't park where you shouldn't."

The outcome: For 12 years I was able to visit the unit without the need of help; now I have become dependent on someone to take me there.

3. Annunciation Square (next to the church), Balzan: Almost every Sunday morning I used to park in the space reserved for blue sticker holders. However, for the last few Sundays I couldn't because the space was taken up by equipment and material to repair the Church parvis; so I parked in the centre of the square as many others do every Sunday. One Sunday, the wardens had a field day issuing tickets to the cars parked there, including blue sticker holders; they must have satisfied their quota for the month.

I have travelled all over Europe with the Maltese blue sticker on my car or on hired cars, and I have never been fined anywhere, even though I have had to park in many No Parking areas. I have always found the greatest understanding and help, including traffic police and wardens directing me to park in No Parking areas. No such luck or courtesy in Malta!

While blue sticker holders should not abuse their handicap, there are instances where one cannot help but park where one shouldn't, as long as one does not cause danger or obstruction. In such cases, a measure of understanding would be most welcome. It would also help if the traffic authorities and the NGO for the handicapped were to issue clear guidelines about this matter.