Sliema’s local council has lashed out at a car-sharing scheme just days ahead of its launch, saying that the company responsible had only met with the mayor once before forging ahead with its plans.

The council has expressed concern about plans to reserve 20 designated parking spots for Cars2Go, saying that while it was not opposed to car-sharing schemes, an “endemic lack of consultation” meant that the project was set to exacerbate parking problems in the congested town.

Car Sharing Services Malta CEO Liran Golan had replied by noting that he had met with Sliema mayor Anthony Chircop in April. A company spokesperson said no objection had been raised to the scheme.

On Friday morning, the council hit back.

“This one introductory meeting surrely can’t be held as consultation,” the council’s mayor said. “Moreso consenting to the parking slots being proposed”.

Mr Chirchop confirmed that he had met with Cars2Go representatives and insisted that he had highlighted concerns about the use of on-street parking bays, which he described as “a very precious commodity” in Sliema.

He recalled that he had told the company to speak to Transport Malta, as the council had no remit to reserve parking spaces.

“The council was never contacted thereafter, by either Car2Go or Transport Malta,” he added.