Valletta Cultural Agency proposes that only electric vehicles be allowed in Valletta by 2030

Valletta Cultural Agency is proposing that by 2030, only electric vehicles would be allowed to enter Valletta.

“Following the success of Valletta’s economic, social and cultural regeneration and the Valletta 2018 legacy, the Valletta Cultural Agency is now working on a long-term vision for a cleaner and greener city which offers a better quality of life for the communities and for the visitors,” a statement by the agency said.

The Valletta 2030 vision is based on green energy and environmental improvements. The main aim of this vision is to have a greener city with less pollution and fewer cars, it said.

“By shifting to clean and renewable energy, we continue to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, allowing us to do our bit in the battle against climate change. Renewable energy can be very beneficial for cities since it results in cleaner air, modern services, and more habitable spaces.”

The agency said that it is making a series of proposals to the government and concerned authorities.

Some of the proposals that most stand out are about electric vehicles.

“By 2023, all vehicles providing services in Valletta, including waste collection, the servicing of the hospitality industry in Valletta, and others, must all be electrically powered and of one specific size, respecting the narrow streets of Valletta and its environment.” In addition, it said that by 2023, the transportation of people using the Park and Ride in Blata l-Bajda should be operated by 100% battery run vehicles.

Also by 2023, all services coming to Valletta, including delivery trucks, must be provided on specific days and times of the week according to a schedule in agreement with the concerned owners. “This is a great effort to reduce traffic in the centre of Valletta which is one of the main air polluters in the city constantly damaging restored buildings.”

“By 2030, only electric vehicles are to be permitted into Valletta,” the agency proposed.

A number of other proposals were made.

“In the forthcoming budget, the government should incentivise and encourage the Valletta communities, retail shops and other businesses, but also government buildings, to switch to solar energy,” it said.

The proposals include ones that would affect permits being issued.

“As from 2030, new permits for hospitality including, but not only, for hotels, holiday apartments, restaurants and other entertainment venues should be granted only to those who are 100% eco-friendly.”

The agency also proposed that by 2025, Valletta should have a number of rooftop gardens on historical buildings such as Spazju Kreattiv and the Parliament building, among other government buildings including Auberges, where most of the ministries are situated. “The Valletta Design Cluster rooftop is a prime example of how this should be done.”

It also said that more pedestrian areas and squares should be considered in the coming future, “namely parts of St Christopher Street and Archbishop Street from the current Valletta Police Station up to the Archbishop’s Palace to Independence Square, including the Square itself in front of St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral.”

It also said that “the Valletta Police Station should be shifted to a much better and centralised location, namely the Freedom Square derelict arcade in front of Parliament. The government should regenerate this spacious building, which is government owned and in need of a facelift in Valletta’s entrance. It is up to the government to decide the best outcome for what has been an abandoned building for many years. The Valletta Police Station will be much more suited at this place.”