Urban Development and Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett had publicly said that the government’s annual revenue from the Controlled Vehicle Access (CVA) system in Valletta would be about Lm1.5 million, and this was confirmation that the new system “will increase the financial burden on people”, Labour Party main spokesman for public works, roads, public transport and construction Charles Buhagiar said yesterday.

In a statement issued yesterday, Mr Buhagiar said the government’s revenue from the previous special licence system for entry into Valletta, generated about Lm0.6 million each year.

Moreover, said Mr Buhagiar, the first week of the system’s implementation had showed a lack of serious planning. The government had failed to provide sufficient alternative parking spaces and this has led to a lot of confusion, particularly among those who worked in Valletta and who found it very difficult to find free parking spaces, he said.

Mr Buhagiar questioned the planned extension of the Park and Ride car park, considering that no permits have yet been issued by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority. He added that the extension would also increase the government’s expenditure.

Referring to the relocation of the open air market, Mr Buhagiar said it was pertinent to ask what preparations had been made for the paving of Merchants Street.

He asked whether the necessary permits have been issued and whether the services passing below the surface of the street would be changed. Will the work be carried out by a contractor and have the tenders been issued? He also asked if there had been a consultation process with shop owners.