Transport Malta suspends floating billboard plans

The Chamber of SMEs, GRTU, welcomed Transport Malta’s decision to suspend plans to install floating billboards in response to concerns raised by GRTU and the general public.

GRTU said that such approach reflected the way government should operate: through consultation and listening to issues brought forward by social partners and constituted bodies.

“GRTU has lamented over the way floating billboard plans had been in the pipeline whilst a new legal notice on billboards and advertisements on land had tightened the marketing and advertising sector through immediate enforcement,” it said.

“Plans to go ahead with floating billboards did not tally with GRTU’s agreement with Government to go into a consultation process over billboards and advertisements regulations.”

The GRTU said that immediate action taken by the Ministry for Transport had avoided any unnecessary potential harm to the business sectors concerned. “GRTU commends Minister Joe Mizzi’s actions to react to needs and concerns raised. This is a clear example of how consultation with social partners would result in laws and decisions that make most sense, reflecting industry and public needs. It is also however a clear example of a government willing to listen by taking action on such concerns.

“In the spirit of good governance and transparency, GRTU advocates that any such business opportunities should be opened through the most transparent means allowing for equal opportunities for businesses to participate.”