On-the-spot fines: A step forward, but encroachment persists, say action groups

Imagine strolling down Republic Street, Malta’s bustling heart, on a sunny afternoon. You’re jostled by a crowd spilling out from a café that’s taken over the pavement. This isn’t an unusual sight in our compact cities. But what if this encroachment was met with an on-the-spot fine? That’s the question on everyone’s lips since the government introduced new penalties for illegal structures and obstructions.

Fines in action: A mixed bag

Launched in late 2021, the on-the-spot fines system has seen mixed results. It’s certainly made an impact, with fines issued for illegal structures, obstructions, and even noise pollution. But action groups argue that it’s only half the battle won. “Encroachment is a complex issue,” says Mario Vella, spokesperson for the NGO Moviment Graffiti. “Fines are a good start, but they don’t address the root causes.”

Take the case of a popular café in Valletta. Despite multiple fines, it continues to encroach onto the pavement, citing lack of space indoors. This raises a crucial point: are fines enough to deter businesses from encroaching, or do we need stricter penalties, better enforcement, or even policy changes?

Encroachment: A symptom of deeper issues

Encroachment isn’t just about breaking the rules. It’s a symptom of deeper issues, like lack of space, poor urban planning, and outdated regulations. “We need to look at why businesses feel they have to encroach,” says Dr. Maria Attard, urban planner and lecturer at the University of Malta. “It’s often because they have no choice.”

Consider the case of a shop in Mosta that was fined for encroaching onto the street. The shop owner argued that without the extra space, they’d go out of business. This highlights the need for a balanced approach, one that acknowledges the challenges faced by local businesses while still addressing encroachment.

Action groups call for broad approach

Action groups are calling for a broad approach to tackling encroachment. This could involve everything from stricter enforcement and higher fines to better urban planning and more lenient regulations for businesses. “We need to create an environment where businesses don’t feel they have to encroach,” says Vella.

Attard agrees, “We need to rethink our urban spaces. We need to create cities that work for everyone, not just cars and businesses.”

So, what’s next for Malta’s encroachment battle? . But one thing’s for sure: it’s going to take more than just on-the-spot fines to solve this complex issue.

“We’re not against fines,” says Vella. “But we need to address the root causes of encroachment. We need to create a future where our cities are livable, not just navigable.”