A shortage of parking spaces in Valletta is denting business in the capital and the government should come up with “urgent and practical solutions”, according to the business community.

Although the new public transport system, scheduled to start in July, would improve the situation, businesses in the capital could not afford to wait so long, the Valletta Business Community Committee said.

The committee, set up by the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and representing 350 firms, conducted a study that showed a significant loss of business during the Christmas period. It said yesterday such loss was consistent and was due to the continuous elimination of parking spaces in Valletta.

“The business community has seen a continual reduction of parking spaces and an increase in restrictions, the introduction of the controlled vehicular access, the park and ride, residents’ parking and parking spaces allotted for the exclusive use of ministers and MPs, not to mention the continuous increase in reserved parking places. This is clearly detrimental to business in Valletta...

“If the government wants Valletta to survive as a living monument then it needs to come up with some urgent, practical solutions that make running a business more attractive... lack of activity will result in Valletta losing its vibrancy. We already have one Silent City, we do not need another one,” the business committee said.

It added it was willing to offer its experience and expertise to the government to find a solution.