Dear Editor,

I write regarding your Gagau Sitaiai's report in today's paper on parking meters.

As a citizen living in town and a motorist, I'd like to comment and seek clarification on the issue from the Government and relevant authorities and your paper on your report.

As I understand it, parking meters are installed in a very small area of town - from the NPF Plaza to the National Bank of Samoa - and only on the side of Beach Road and Convent Street in front of and behind this block. 

Of the total parking space available in the Apia township to motorists, this small metered parking area, I would guess, constitutes only maybe less than 10 per cent of the overall parking space. On what logic then did LTA and Govt come to decide that only those citizens/motorists who visit the shops on this small strip have to pay for parking and if not commit an offence and fined, while if you can find a park on the Development Bank side of Beach Road or on the Apollo Cinemas side of Convent Street, or anywhere else in town for that matter, you're perfectly fine?

Is this based on legislation? If there is one, would it be discriminatory? This matter, to me, just doesn't make sense or right or just.

I'm old enough to recall that some years ago, in a breakdown of the annual fee for vehicle fitness and registration, a component of the charge (I think $20) was to cover public vehicle parking. I don't recall it being removed.

As I don't expect any clarification from authorities, can I ask Mr Editor that you have one of your investigative reporters dig to the bottom of this?

To be clear, I'm not against a charge to cover public parking; it's a cost that has to be paid. But it must be fair and transparent. In fairness and equity, maintaining a suitable charge in the annual registration fee is best. Meters are expensive to install and maintain - look at our traffic lights, airport toll gates, etc.

Malo faaaloalo tele.

F. Vitolio Lui