Valletta council is planning an information campaign to allay visitors’ concern over problematic access to the capital while it works to identify potential new parking spaces, mayor Alexei Dingli told The Times Business.
Campaign drafts have been shared with the Valletta business community for its feedback but it will not be launched before revisions to the controlled vehicular access system are finalised. The process could take a few months.
Some businesses operating in the city told The Sunday Times last week they feared shoppers were staying away from Valletta as they thought parking or accessibility would be difficult while the €80 million regeneration project is underway. Valletta retailers cited a decrease in Maltese visitors to the capital as one factor contributing to disappointing summer sales.
In contrast, Dr Dingli said controlled vehicular access system statistics showed the amount of cars flowing into the city was constantly increasing.
“We are aware that every project creates some form of inconvenience,” Dr Dingli said. “The most important thing is to ensure measures are taken to counter part of those inconveniences. That is what the council is doing. The biggest problem I see is a one of perception, hence the information campaign.”
Valletta’s business community includes 900 shops. There are around 3,000 parking spaces currently available in and around the city.
Asked how the council was supporting the business community in the current situation, Dr Dingli said it was collaborating with the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises – GRTU over a number of issues, particularly loading bays. Discussions with the ministry were focused on a revision of the CVA to identify new parking spaces for residents and visitors.
Discussions have also surrounded the extension to the park and ride scheme, earmarked for the end of the year, which should provide an additional 400 new spaces.
“We are also in discussions with Transport Malta over ways to facilitate inter-city transport,” Dr Dingli explained. “Under the local transport reform, Valletta should have two circular electric buses next year. The council is also working on the vertical access to the city: there will be a lift from the cruise liner passenger terminal, the lift from the fortifications museum to Melita Street, and a lift from the Sliema ferry up to the ring road is planned. The lifts and the circular bus service should facilitate access to from the outskirts of the city to the centre. We are also seeking arrangements with car parks outside Valletta.”
The mayor said complaints received by the city’s residential and business community were raised in weekly meetings the council held with Transport Malta and the Valletta Rehabilitation Committee. Dr Dingli stressed ongoing works were constantly monitored to limit the impact on shops with which one-to-one meetings were held regularly.
“I am glad to say most of the works are proceeding according to well-defined targets,” Dr Dingli said. “We are going to great lengths to reopen streets as soon as they are safe enough for pedestrians.”