Planning Authority gives green light to NextBike

NextBike has been told by the Planning Authority that the company will be able to install bicycle rails without any permits by simply notifying the organisation, a spokesperson for NextBike told The Malta Independent.

The spokesperson was responding to questions after the PA had told The Malta Independent that the introduction of LN 211 of 2016 meant that the company required to notify the organisation before installing such structures. A spokesperson for NextBike said that the PA had not informed the company of the change in legislation.

Prior to this, these forms of developments were permitted without notification unless located on ODZ, UCA or scheduled property.

The bicycle rails that have been installed in Sliema, St Julian’s and San Ġwann have been given the necessary approval from the local councils of the area, the spokesperson said.

Sliema Mayor Anthony Chircop did confirm that the local council had given a “no objection order” for the installation of the rails, one of which has been placed on a parking space on Rudolph Street.

The installation of the bike rails has taken place before the opening of a concession to provide bicycle sharing and e-bike sharing services which was announced by Transport Minister Joe Mizzi on 21 September, 2016.