In a statement, the association said it understood that the wardens’ job is difficult, especially at certain periods such as long weekends, Easter and Christmas time and during the summer months. It is also accepted that wardens are obliged to maintain order. But on the other hand, it feels that it is unacceptable that the function of these officers is being reduced to simple tax collecting.

The way wardens are dealing with traffic problems is not acceptable, said the association. Wardens must patrol streets and roads to keep order and prevent contraventions. It is not acceptable that they allow people to park and turn up a minute later to issue a ticket. Most tickets are given to Maltese residents and tourists who do not have enough knowledge of Gozo, and flexibility must be the order of the day on such occasions, the association said.

The GTA said it would like to remind wardens that Maltese and foreign visitors sustain the tourist industry in Gozo. This industry employs a good percentage of Gozo’s population, directly or indirectly, and is the back-bone of the island’s economy on the island. If this market is lost, all of Gozo will suffer.

The association said that it is in favour of discipline, and agrees that those who act irresponsibly must be punished. However, it suggests that wardens are instructed to help more in the organisation of traffic flow on the island and are posted to different areas where they can extend their help and information to visitors. Such duties give more validity to the role of wardens in our towns and villages and help them regain the esteem of the general public, the association concluded.