The necessary infrastructure for the Controlled Vehicular Access (CVA) system in Valletta has been set up, and the private company responsible for the operation of the system – CVA Technologies Limited – together with the transport authority (ADT) is presently testing the system.

An ADT spokesperson who spoke to The Malta Independent yesterday said the system, which is expected to be fully operational within the next months, consists of seven cameras that have been set up in different places along the boundaries of Valletta.

“We are presently carrying out tests on the CVA cameras that are connected to a computer system, which includes all vehicles registered with ADT. When we’re sure that the system is working well, we will be able to have it up and running,” said the spokesperson. While the V-licence will be abolished when the system is in place, access to Valletta will be controlled by a pay-as-you-go scheme.

Existing holders of the V-licence will be credited on a pro-rata basis and this licence will still be applicable up to the date when the CVA system is fully operational.

The cameras will photographically record the vehicles entering and leaving the city and by automatically recognising the vehicle registration number, the system will then calculate the duration of stay in Valletta and the corresponding fee to be paid. The charges will depend on the duration and time of day.

Only vehicles entering Valletta at the following times will be charged: Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm. The first 30 minutes of the stay will be free of charge, while 35c will be charged when one stays on for the following 30 minutes and for every hour thereafter. A maximum of Lm2.80 per stay will apply.

Vehicles entering Valletta at other times (including Sundays and public holidays) will be able to do so at no charge.

The registered owner of the vehicle will receive an itemised bill on a monthly basis that will give details of visits to the city. If the amount does not exceed Lm5 however, a bill will be sent every three months.

Exemptions from payment will apply for residents, motorcycles, electric vehicles, public transport vehicles, emergency and security vehicles and registered owners of vehicles belonging to persons with disabilities who work in Valletta. Blue sticker holders will be entitled to a Lm20 credit per year to access Valletta.

Valletta residents over 61 years of age will be allowed to register their direct descendants for exemption and should it be the case that they have no children, two of their relatives will be exempt. A charge of Lm20 per year will apply for each vehicle registered for exemption.

Garage owners in Valletta will also be able to apply for exemption for as many vehicles as the garage holds on condition that whenever entering Valletta, the car is parked in the garage. If the car registered for exemption under this criterion is found parked anywhere else in Valletta, a fine will apply and the exemption will be suspended for one year.

The following areas and streets will be excluded from the scheme: Triq l-Assedju l-Kbir all the way up to il-Mandragg, Castille Square, the Central Bank parking area, the area opposite the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and the area near Customs House.

Further information may be obtained by visiting www.maltatransport.com.