The coveted white parking bays along Ġlormu Cassar Avenue in Valletta disappeared for a few hours yesterday after a long, unbroken yellow line, barring cars from filling the prized spots, was painted from top to bottom.
The white parking bays were first covered before a yellow line was painted on the asphalt, much to the dismay of commuters and shoppers craving fast-disappearing parking spaces in Valletta.
Four long poles were set into the ground holding up the ‘no waiting’ traffic sign while smaller ones were erected on stands scattered down the hill. However, when contacted, a Transport Malta spokesman said the blanket parking restrictions were the result of a “misunderstanding”.
Rather than paint a long, continuous line, the contractor was meant to mark four alighting and boarding bays at the top of the hill to be used by coaches and open-top hop-on, hop-off tour buses – leaving the other bays for other vehicles.
“The situation is in the process of being rectified and the boarding/ alighting bays will be reduced to four to be used by coaches, mini buses and open-top buses.
“Alternative parking arrangements have been provided for them close to Hornswork and Crownswork Ditch. The remaining parking bays will therefore be able to be used by other vehicles,” the spokesman said.
The change in parking was brought about by the ongoing works at St James Ditch and the Valletta bus terminus, which form part of the public transport reform. A new traffic management plan re-routing cars entering Valletta and Floriana came into force on Friday.
The spokesman explained that coaches, sightseeing buses and mini vans could no longer use St James Ditch to drop off or pick up passengers.
“The closest and most feasible option was Ġlormu Cassar Avenue. The area is specifically for alighting and to park,” the spokesman said.
These “arrangements” are expected to remain in force for a month before being reviewed, the spokesman added.
When contacted, Valletta mayor Alexiei Dingli said he was not aware of any changes in parking arrangements and added that the council had not been informed or consulted.
However, the authority spokesman explained that neither the council nor the public were informed because the impact would be “minimal” and the measures were “temporary” since “very few car spaces will be lost temporarily”.