The Foundation for Medical Services and the service provider for traffic and parking management at Mater Dei, have reached an agreement to slash parking fees almost by half. The new parking rates apply with immediate effect.
Moreover the Malta Transport Authority is organising more free parking in the roads adjacent to the hospital, a statement issued by Mater Dei Hospital said yesterday.
Over 120 parking spaces, with the possibility of some others, will be organised with appropriate traffic management, including safe pedestrian crossings. Some work needs to be carried out over the next days to accommodate these free parking spaces.
The revision of the fees comes in the wake of strong public protests about the high prices that were being charged for parking within hospital grounds.
The new price structure will match the CVA rates and will be as follows:
The review exercise has achieved:
A reduction in prices; a widening of time brackets; a slower and cheaper progression in price increment over time bracket; an increase of free parking spaces; a frequent user parking scheme: 3 day permits and 30 day permits; a continuation of the already improved parking facilities for renal patients, blue sticker holders and other permit holders; a reduced maximum charge (Lm1.25 cheaper than old price structure).
At the same time, the “highly efficient public transport service to and from Mater Dei” has been in high demand and will continue to run accordingly.
The discussions have also led to a management agreement with the existing service provider to manage an additional car park area designated for Mater Dei Hospital staff and sub-contractors. Over 350 spaces are available in this area. Staff and sub-contractors will be charged at special discounted rates: a daily rate of e0.75 (or a monthly prepaid daily rate e0.50) for the entire daily duration of parking. All rates include VAT.
Around 1,000 parking spaces are available within the Mater Dei Hospital grounds for visitors. It is a safe and convenient parking facility which is attracting many visitors to make use of it. Previous Mater Dei parking rates were identical to those at St. Luke’s.
Automatic payment machines have been re-programmed to charge on the basis of the new parking fee structure.