In the last two and a half years Local Wardens in the southern region issued €3.8 million’s worth of citations, €3.5 million of which were valid. But only €2.3 million have been paid so far, highlighting the need for a reform in the sector.

Speaking at another public consultation meeting on the Local Wardens Reform, Parliamentary Secretary Jose Herrera said that in the southeastern region, wardens issued €4.8 million worth of tickets of which €4.4 million were valid. €1.7 million remain unpaid.

Dr Herrera announced that measures that will be taken to ensure that money owed is collected will include shortening the appeals period. Wardens will also be trained that the Police Academy and more people will be employed by the system.

Dr Herrera said that this will be a positive reform and enjoys widespread support. Earlier this week the General Retailers and Traders Union (GRTU) agreed with the government’s proposal.

The reform aims to elevate the status of wardens and the public’s respect towards them.