Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela told Parliament this evening that, for future Valletta events related to the EU presidency the authorities will try to lessen the inconvenience for residents but argued that security measures are aimed, first and foremost, to protect the Maltese public.

Replying to a parliamentary question, Mr Abela explained that restrictions imposed today will also be in place on Thursday (all day) and Friday (morning to afternoon). He explained that parking cannot be permitted in certain narrow roads because of security concerns. Mr Abela acknowledged, however, that such arrangements led to inconvenience and promised to try and ease the situation.

Mr Abela noted that access to Valletta was kept open. “We did not use the Castille Square route and these restrictions were mainly in place around the Grand Master’s palace, the Mediterranean Conference Centre and some other roads that lead to these areas. I spoke to the police to see whether we can do things better for future meetings. We have also spoken to other stakeholders about the possibility of providing alternative parking solutions and shuttle services to and from Valletta.”

PN MP Claudio Grech pointed out that the parking situation has already been affected by the number of parking spaces taken by government departments and also by an increase in tables and chairs in certain areas. He asked whether it was necessary to keep these restrictions in place for such long periods of time. “Can the residents at least be informed, through the local council, so that people can plan beforehand?” he asked.

Mr Abela said the police had assured him that they had been as flexible as possible. It seemed, however, that some police officers might have interpreted the orders given to them differently with regard to overnight parking in the affected roads.

PN MP Censu Galea asked if any cars had been towed and, if so, under which authority. Mr Abela said there had been only one case – one car belonging to a resident who is currently abroad had not been moved. The police had moved the car a few metres down, clearing the road without punishing the resident. “They used common sense,” Mr Abela said.