Developers have been forced to pay a total of €3.6 million in contributions for developments in St Julian’s and Sliema. This after having failed to provide 1,941 parking spaces between 2013 and 2019.
But we ask… what would the general public benefit from? The ‘missed’ parking spaces or the money being paid as a ‘punishment’?! I mean, it’s a good thing that a penalty was given, but does it balance the level of inconvenience created for the public? A contribution is paid once, but the hassle for parking will be there forever!
Every building permit brings about a contribution for parking, even if you are just building an extra room, which will definitely not make a difference to the parking situation on your street. We, the common public, cannot avoid paying the contribution – no money no permit… yet the developers who make millions from building new properties, somehow manage to find a loophole.
Let’s be honest… how affected will they be with the fee to be paid?! To them it is easier to pay up then to provide parking spaces, because you know, parking spaces might mean less space for other developments!
The Planning Authority introduced a three-tier rate system whereby a one-car space not provided for would cost the developer €2,500. That’s peanuts to someone who’s gaining thousands from developments! We, the common public, would find it to be a hefty fine but not the developers! Not even when the car space reaches the tenth car space upwards, with a €10,000 contribution per car space imposed.
The residents and the general public, will still be unable to find parking, no matter how hefty the fine!
