Chamber demands MPs’ reserved parking to be freed up during holidays

The Chamber of Commerce has called on Transport Malta to allow the general public to make use of reserved parking for MPs when parliament is in recess during the summer and Christmas.

As the situation stands, the public is denied use of these spaces, leaving them empty while drivers must circle the City in search of a parking space.

The Chamber said this created congestion and generated unnecessary emissions to the detriment of people and historic buildings.

“Reserving parking spaces for MPs even during recess periods is unacceptable given the critical situation which is severely hampering the conduct of business. Freeing the spaces to the public during Parliament recess periods would alleviate the situation during summer and Christmas shopping periods. Ministers and parliamentary secretaries have drivers; therefore, their reserved spaces could be freed on a permanent basis to allow some further improvement all the year round,” the Chamber said.

The Malta Chamber has already communicated its concerns to Transport Malta, but said its concerns and recommendations were not heeded.

“Instead, parking spaces for the public have continued to be eliminated. The Valletta business community looks forward to the completion of the projects being undertaken in the Capital as these promise to enhance the City and its environment to truly unprecedented levels.

“But, meanwhile, the business community in Valletta needs to thrive. Therefore, the Malta Chamber urges Transport Malta to implement the necessary measures to enable shoppers to commute to Valletta as conveniently as other shopping districts.  Similar considerations apply to measures enabling deliveries and other services to all areas of Valletta.”