Towing woes

On Father's Day, a foreign friend called me to assist him as his rented vehicle had been towed away. He had parked his car in front of a private garage, so we both admitted it was only fair he pay his dues. But how was he meant to do this?

We asked at the Sliema police station and were instructed to go to the wardens' office, "somewhere in Msida". We were also told that once we paid the fine, we would be instructed further.

We got there somehow, paid €105, and obviously asked how and from where we could retrieve the car. We were told, somewhat ambiguously, that it was being held at the Civil Protection Department car park "somewhere in Marsa", a place "apparently known as Ras Hanżir" which, needless to say, is not reachable by bus either.

We eventually found the place. At least the gentleman at the gate was very helpful, polite and understanding, and directed us to the car.

Paying the €105 fine was nothing compared with the absurd ordeal which lasted roughly an hour-and-a-half.