The above picture, taken last Sunday (20 December), clearly illustrates the recurring illegal parking practices of police officers in the proximity of Sliema Police Station. The picture speaks for itself: a police car is parked on the pedestrian crossing (illegally) and behind it is another car belonging to the police department, parked within its reserved parking bay, which is less than four metres from the same crossing – and this is illegal as well: “Do not park or let your vehicles stand…. on or within 4 metres of a pedestrian crossing, from the side of oncoming traffic…’. The Highway Code pt. 232). In front of the police station, one of the parking places was vacant at the time this picture was taken.

This crossing outside the police station is a very dangerous blind spot for both pedestrians and for drivers coming up Manwel Dimech Street. In fact, many cars do not stop at the crossing due to a lack of visibility. With this extra car parked there, the situation is worsened.

It seems like a blatant abuse of power and I ask the Police Commisioner to kindly take note and action, and Sliema Local Council to remove this hazard immediately.

Way back in March 2007, prior to the placing of the railing in front of the police station, I had asked for the area to be arranged in such a way as to make it safe for pedestrians. By widening the pavement at the side of the police station, and moving the pedestrian crossings further down, a safe passage is created for pedestrians – who will not have to cross the police parking area, there is enough space for two police vehicles and there is improved visibility for both pedestrians and drivers. With this format, no other parking lots are lost and the area is rendered safe at a manageable cost. I hope this time around my advice for this area, which is used quite heavily by traffic and pedestrians, is heeded before it is too late.

Adrian Gatt

SLIEMA