Government and GRTU to enter into consultations as part of the local enforcement system reform

Following GRTU’s call for a revision of the local enforcement system an urgent meeting was held earlier this week with Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Stefan Buontempo, the Local Enforcement System Agency CEO Ray Zammit and other high-ranking officials including, Elizabeth Vassallo (Director LESA), the Director General within MJCL and the Director (Local Government).

During the meeting GRTU acknowledged that whilst discussions between GRTU and LESA officials were leading to a number of on-the-ground gradual improvements, the problem is much bigger. GRTU President Paul Abela explained that it was important to keep up the momentum and tackle the numerous issues at micro level as these are affecting the business community but the problem with the warden system is in fact macro.

Mr Abela said: “An overhaul of the system is required. The truth is that the warden system has made a bad name for itself and we need to depart from the negative image associated with wardens. Having an enforcement system that is intended to generate revenue is wrong from the start. Our enforcement system must be aimed at giving a valuable service to the community and not to find opportunities to castigate.”

GRTU emphasised that it is not against enforcement. Traffic regulations must be respected insofar as they ensure our citizens’ safety and the safeguarding of their rights. Enforcement must however also be sensitive to the realities of our limited infrastructure. For people working on the road, parking well is many times impossible. The enforcement system must be built to cater for our realities on the road and not take advantage from inherent difficulties.

Parliamentary Secretary Stefan Buontempo, whilst appreciating GRTU’s concerns, stated that he believes enforcement is an essential tool to maintain order. The Parliamentary Secretary stated that the local enforcement system reform had started and was still under way. Dr Buontempo agreed to set up a highlevel working group between key government officials and the GRTU to discuss areas that needed to be improved.

GRTU has also initiated discussions with Transport Malta in order to address a number of issues that fall within its remit. The first meeting of the working group will be held in mid September.