GRTU don’t want scrapped CVA, but free parking during peak hours

The Chamber of SMEs (GRTU) has toned down its opposition to Valletta's centralised vehicular access (CVA) parking system, saying that Transport Malta should free up parking in the capital city only during peak business hours.

The CVA system, which since 2007 has generated €11.7 million in payments to the private company that runs it and Transport Malta, was schedule for a revision as announced by prime minister Joseph Muscat.

The GRTU says TM should scrap the parking limits during peak hours, saying it was unfair that one parking space could be taken up all day by privileged users, such as Valletta residents. The GRTU also said it was in favour of more underground car parks. "Without them, Valletta will never manage the parking burden," the GRTU said.

"We find it strange that teachers have now been exempted from the CVA system, declared as privileged users much like the Valletta hawkers and MPs, in contrats to businessmen and professionals who have to enter and exit Valletta on a daily basis.

"As the system stands today the government is losing on money and commercial establishments are suffering the consequences of the system. The worst that could happen would be a free-for-all system or going back to the 'Valletta licence' system for cars."