Controlled Vehicular Access (CVA) to Valletta will start on the 1st May, replacing the V license plate that allows entry into the city.

The scheme which will see motorists paying to park in Valletta, was initially meant to come into force in January but was then delayed to March. Subsequently it was delayed a second time to enable the operator of the scheme to subject it to some changes.

The details of the scheme were unveiled in a press conference addressed by Minister for Industry, Investment and Information Technology Minister Austin Gatt and Minister for Urban Development and Roads Jesmond Mugliett.

The scheme will see vehicles spending more than 30 minutes in Valletta paying 35c per hour up to a maximum of Lm2.80 a day. Vehicles will be charged between 0800CET and 1800CET on weekdays and between 0800CET and 1300CET on Saturdays. Tariffs will not apply on Sundays and on public holidays.

The system will operate thanks to 11 camera installed in strategic entry and exit points around Valletta. The cameras will photograph vehicle number plates to establish the duration the vehicles spent in the city. A bill for each car will be worked out by tailor-made software developed by local programmers.

Bills will be sent on a monthly basis and are to be paid within 30 days. Motorists whose bill totals to less than Lm5 will receive it every three months.

Great Siege Street, which surrounds the capital, will be exempt from the scheme, making parking in the area free of charge. Special arrangements have been made for Valletta residents as well as for shop owners and market sellers.

See also:
Valletta vehicle access scheme delayed again -  Mar 1, 2007 - 9:30:32 AM