Motorist filmed driving on Sliema promenade had a permit, council says
Mayor says driver was delivering food to a charity after an Adrian Delia rally
A video showing a woman driving a car along the Sliema promenade near Independence Gardens sparked questions online on Friday, but the town's local council says the driver had a valid permit to do so.
The video, shared by Lovin Malta, shows a car moving slowly along the pedestrian-only promenade in the direction of Exiles. A voice in the video can be heard saying, “Bro, what are you doing?”
According to the Sliema local council, what the driver was doing was delivering leftover food to a voluntary organisation after an event held by PN MP and leadership candidate Adrian Delia at the gardens earlier that day.
A council spokesperson said the driver was driving there with its permission.
“This is nothing out of this world. Everything was above board,” the spokesperson said.
They said vehicles such as cleaning vans, Transport Malta or Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) vehicles are often granted permission to access that part of the promenade because it is the only way to reach the gardens below.
“Otherwise, there is no access to the gardens for vehicles,” they said.
Sliema mayor John Pillow also confirmed the driver had been assisting with Delia’s event and was allowed access for that purpose.
“The driver was helping with Delia’s event below and, just like anyone setting up or dismantling for an event, they need to go on the promenade to gain access,” he said.
He added that the only access point is the entrance between Tower Road and the street leading to Exiles. From there, they need to drive onto the promenade until they reach the ramp near the playgrounds, which features wall murals.
“This was them leaving the garden, driving by slowly and on the side of the promenade to deliver food to a voluntary organisation. It’s not a big deal,” Pillow said.