The GRTU, Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises, said the controlled vehicular access for the capital had failed completely and it appealed to the Prime Minister to review the system.

The CVA’s aim had been to free parking spaces to make them available to people seeking services in the capital, and to shoppers. Valletta residents were also to have parking room after shop closing times, and the CVA was payment-based to make good for the park and ride system operating from Blata l-Bajda, the GRTU said.

But the system was today a total failure and no one was responsible for it. Legally the Transport Ministry and the Transport Authority were responsible, but they did not know what was going on. Someone had given up hundreds of thousands of liri in parking fees due to the CVA by awarding free parking to market hawkers, Members of Parliament and others who were privileged.