The Sliema local ouncil said that it only went ahead with the introduction and implementation of the time-controlled parking scheme after it had obtained all the necessary permits from Transport Malta which were subsequently entrenched in Legal Notice 200 of 2009.

In a statement, the council said that prior to the implementation of the scheme the Council was in constant communication with officials from Transport Malta who were being informed on the manner in which the implementation was being made. Officials from Transport Malta also contributed with their advice which the Council followed to the letter.

The suspension of the time controlled parking scheme has only affected the locality of Sliema, including those zones that had been in force for the past years,  whilst other localities which have such a scheme in force have not been affected. In this regard, the Council does not agree with the decision to suspend the implementation of the trial period of the scheme. The Council also has its reservations as to the manner in which the relative implementation was suspended by Transport Malta.

However, as a sign of goodwill, the Council is ready to postpone the enforcement of the scheme for a period of not more than three (3) weeks within which Transport Malta is invited to put forward its proposals for the betterment of the already launched time controlled parking scheme in Sliema.

To this end, the Council confirms its availability to attend any discussions with Transport Malta which we augur will lead to an amicable solution to implement a holistic plan for the traffic management and parking in Sliema, in the interest of all parties concerned.

On its part, today, Sliema council has officially sent a Preliminary Report on the betterment of the traffic and parking situation in Tas-Sliema to the Minister Joe Mizzi and Parliamentary Secretary Jose Herrera.