The GRTU insisted today that it still considered MPs as being privileged when they were allowed to park at any time in central Valletta against a payment of just €46.50 per year.

The association was reacting to comments made in parliament yesterday after it said they parked for free.

The GRTU said that such a charge was ridiculously low  when wheover parked near the Auberge de Castille, paid some €600 a year in tips. Those who paid in Valletta's streets paid some €1,600 per year and those who parked at the Floriana car park paid some €520 per year.

The GRTU said that when the CVA was introduced, it had been told that privileges would end and reserved parking would be removed.

Now the MPs, the Monti hawkers, teachers and others under one pretext or another were privileged while those who invested and created jobs, and those who needed to use Valletta's services either did not find where to park, or they had to pay through the nose.

MPs, the association said, should set an example by parking outside the city and by using electric vehicles to be conveyed tothe city.