A section in the middle of the car park outside the Stock Exchange building in Valletta has been painted green in an initiative which aims to cut down on emissions and free-up a few parking spaces in the capital.

The green zone will host eight double-parked government cars, which will operate a shuttle service for government employees in order to reduce the carbon footprint.

The car park is government property, containing reserved parking bays which have also been freshly painted over.

Principal Permanent Secretary Godwin Grima described the changes as a “pet project” of his, one which could lead to a smaller, more efficient government car fleet.

“I have decided to start a pilot green travel plan at the Office of the Prime Minister by selecting a few departments with a view to pool resources in order to service, in a collective manner, our transport, messenger and cleaning services needs,” Dr Grima said.

Nine government entities will take part in the three-month long pilot project, and there will be eight cars available to shuttle people across Malta, Dr Grima explained.

One route will cover Valletta-Floriana-Blata l-Bajda and will leave every 20 minutes from Castille Place with identified stops for alighting and disembarking. Another miscellaneous route will be made available for journeys outside the area.

Even though police were asking motorists to remove their vehicles from the car park yesterday, Dr Grima confirmed the public could still park in the area at weekends and outside of office hours (between 8 a.m. and 5.15 p.m. on weekdays).

“It is my intention to improve the system and refine it progressively. Such feedback from all quarters is greatly welcomed as the success of this plan will not only lead to its potential example but may also serve as an example for others.

“If the pilot project proves to be a success, the public administration will have a case for the introduction of a new fleet served by higher capacity vehicles but with a lower number of individual vehicles.”