I would like to bring to the attention of drivers entering Valletta and – having no choice – being swallowed up by the CVA web of cameras, that the Malta Transport Authority is adamant in collecting payment of parking dues in no uncertain terms. In fact, for a parking bill of Lm1.05, I was charged an additional penalty of Lm2.50 for paying the bill online 10 days after the bill due date.

I have to mention that the bill mentions that “charges apply for late payments” although there is no indication that charges may reach the astronomical figure of 200 per cent of the unpaid bill.

When I contacted the Malta Transport Authority (ADT) about this and mentioned that I received the bill four days before the due date I was told that there was no record of the bill being returned by the postal authorities and that – according to their records – the bills were posted well before the due date.

When I mentioned the excessive penalty I was referred to a Legal Notice. Of course, in all the pomp and ceremony of launching the CVA no-one took the trouble to mention the tiny detail of the additional penalties. In fact, I doubt if this is mentioned in any of the CVA publicity shots.

So drivers beware – no delays and no excuses. ADT will have nothing of the sort. And by the way, there are alternatives to parking in Valletta for a small fee if one does not mind walking a short distance.

Manuel Zammit

San Gwann