An illegal yellow line unites Malta Labour Party candidate and Zebbug mayor Brian Bonnici with Azzjoni Nazzjonali candidate and former Naxxar mayor Anglu Xuereb, putting them both under the authorities’ spotlight.
Both Bonnici and Xuereb are under investigation for painting illegal yellow lines and parking spaces in Zebbug (Malta) and Sliema respectively.
MaltaToday is informed that the Department of the Local Council is investigating a number of irregularities allegedly carried by the Zebbug Local Council.
Only a few days ago, a number of reserved parking bays were created in Zebbug. There was also another case were a one-way sign was put up without ADT approval.
MaltaToday is informed that the ADT has removed the illegal one-way sign in Ta’ l-Imghazel Street.
However, the situation quickly descended into slapstick. Road-signs freshly put up by ADT on Friday in Siggiewi Road, Zebbug, were removed shortly afterwards, allegedly by the local council.
Similar episodes occurred in Dun Filippo Calleja Street and in Icilio Calleja Street. Allegedly the Zebbug local council also created two illegal reserved parking spaces. The latter were removed by the ADT but soon after the signs surfaced again.
The whole game was given away when a resident complained to the ADT and asked why the Authority had removed these signs. The Transport Authority explained that the parking lines where illegal. At this point the resident stated, “it was the local council who put up these signs.”
Despite all this, the two reserved parking signs re-appeared, leaving no other option but getting ADT up to more work. Again, the Transport Authority removed these illegal lines.
Contacted by MaltaToday Zebbug mayor Brian Bonnici said he was not aware that his council was being investigated.
“Yes, I confirm that we did certain works prior to the issue of permits because there are genuine cases. I had residents who although backed up their plea with a medical certificate their case was still ignored by the ADT,” Bonnici said, who claimed his council was being discriminated against by the transport authority..
He said his council had to resort to a judicial protest against ADT and Water Services Corporation because of necessary works in Vjal il-Helsien.
Meanwhile the Sliema council revealed in a statement that “the painting of yellow lines/markings along the pavement in High Street, in front of the Palace Hotel, has been carried out on instructions of Mr Angelo Xuereb without seeking authorisation from ADT and from the Council.”
According to the council, this illegal case has been reported both to the police and the Malta Transport Authority to take all necessary legal action.
Questioned by MaltaToday AN Deputy Leader Anglu Xuereb stated “he got a letter from MEPA that practically gave him a permit for a coach lay-by.”
Xuereb added: “Instead, the Sliema mayor created five car spaces. I wrote to Mepa to see what’s happening. MEPA told me to remove the parking spaces and instead put yellow lines.”