The Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises (GRTU) has presented a number of proposals for the maximisation of benefits of the new Controlled Vehicle Access (CVA) system in Valletta.

During a meeting that was held between Urban Development and Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett and GRTU representatives yesterday morning, GRTU director general Vince Farrugia said the government should encourage more people to enter Valletta.

Mr Farrugia said that people who have not used their private cars to enter Valletta for a number of years, should be given information about the ease with which they would be able to park in the capital thanks to the new system that was introduced on 1 May.

The GRTU insisted that since Valletta has become more accessible, the government and the capital’s commercial community should get together to draft a programme of activities, which could be organised in Valletta to encourage more people to visit the capital and make use of the facilities offered.

Mr Farrugia said the positive aspects of the new system should be given more publicity, in order to effectively combat the deceptive campaign which was clearly intended to alarm the public.

He said this campaign was harming the Valletta commercial community and it was for this reason that the GRTU agreed with the government regarding the need for an immediate campaign for the public to appreciate the improved access to the capital.

Mr Farrugia said the government should address the public and encourage people to enjoy the capital’s squares and streets, with its shops and places of entertainment.

The GRTU also called on the government to introduce a scheme for shops in Valletta to be able to offer their customers free parking, to simplify the procedure for the registration of garages and to further facilitate accessibility for deliverymen to unload merchandise in the capital.

While Minister Mugliett assured the GRTU representatives that the government would evaluate the proposals, the GRTU has appointed a task force to follow the daily running of the CVA system.

Mr Farrugia said the growth of the commercial sector was in everyone’s interest and the government was duty-bound to listen to the GRTU, which represents the real interests of the business sector.