Police anger over blocked parking spaces

The Malta Police Association (MPA) has expressed its disappointment over a lack of parking availability around the Police General Headquarters in Floriana. In a statement, the MPA said that as of tomorrow, it will not be possible for one to park in certain areas near the GHQ because of roadworks that will be taking place.

This has angered Police officers who work at GHQ who, according to the MPA, already face difficulties in parking every day.

“All of this is happening while there is already timed parking in front of the GHQ, as well as other parking areas that are not accessible to the Police, but are accessible to employees of other departments,” read a statement issued by the MPA.

The MPA said that in June 2015, it had already made a request with the Ministry of Education asking for access to be opened to the Ospizio school that is situated behind the Police Headquarters, so that it can be used for parking. The school is closed and is currently not being used of, said the MPA.

“On the 29th June, the ministry said that they could not accept our request because the space was to be housing the Education Training Institute and other training programmes. However, a few months later, the same space was offered to Muslims for use as a venue for prayer meetings. Today, the same space is being used by employees of the education ministry,” said the MPA.

The MPA argued that if there were to be an emergency that requires Police officers to be called in to work at GHQ, it would be almost impossible for officers to respond immediately because it has become impossible for them to park in the vicinity.

"The MPA is calling on the government to dedicate itself to finding a solution for the Police, in the same way that solutions were found for employees of other departments. This sends the message that the Police were and still are treated as second class citizens,” said the MPA.