Watch: Sliema developers finding 'easy way out' of parking obligations

The Sliema local council wants a revision of the “ridiculous” fees developers currently have to pay when not providing enough parking spaces for their new buildings. The Commuted Parking Payments Scheme (CPPS) allows for a monetary contribution towards public parking facilities in places where parking provision would be impossible. In Sliema alone, 172 different building permits have utilised the scheme since 2014, with a total parking shortfall of 525 spaces. The average fee paid was around €2000. Speaking to journalists after a private meeting with Planning Authority executive chairman Johann Buttigieg, Sliema mayor Anthony Chircop said the payments was providing an “easy way out” for developers to avoid including sufficient parking. The scheme, he said, did not provide an adequate solution to the parking problems plaguing the town but merely contributing to increasing congestion. Local councillor Paul Radmilli said an investigation by the environment ombudsman, requested by the council, had similarly concluded that the scheme was in need of revision. READ: Parking nightmare in Sliema as entertainment venues 'do as they please'Mr Radmilli said the ombudsman had concluded that...