/library/oar/handle/123456789/62483 2025-11-13T03:40:09Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/63209 Title: The implementation of a parking charge and its impacts on parking demand : the case of Valletta Abstract: The aim of this research is to assess the impact of charging on parking demand in Valletta, and intends to establish whether the introduction of a parking charge can reduce commuter parking demand and improve the parking situation in Valletta. This case study was chosen as Valletta is the island’s main administrative and commercial centre experiencing high parking demand. Three research questions were set for this study (i) what is the supply and demand of parking in Valletta? (ii) will the introduction of a parking charge impact people’s modal choice? (iii) will the introduction of a parking charge impact people’s parking location? The above research questions were answered through the understanding of driver’s parking preferences, by using the utility theory as a theoretical framework. The stated preference survey offered different parking location and modal choice alternatives to discover which parking location or mode of transport the commuter would choose after the implementation of a parking charge. These alternatives include the following: On-street parking within Controlled Vehicular Access (CVA) boundary, on-street parking outside CVA boundary, off-street parking within CVA, On-street free parking outside the parking charging zones, off-street parking in private garages, Off-street parking with charge (Floriana ground or MCP car park), public transport / Ferry, carsharing, motorcycle, park and ride, and walking or cycing. Therefore, this dissertation deals with the analysis of choices that commuters make on their daily trips to work through the conduction of the stated preference surveys. Respondents who travel to Valletta using their private car for work purposes responded to the surveys. In addition, along with the surveys, two observations of parking turnover and parking allocation were also done. The surveys and observations were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests and the Multinomial logistic regression model (MNL). The research concluded that Valletta’s parking demand does exceed the parking supply. Valletta’s available parking is mostly utilised by commuters leaving no vacant parking spots for visitors. As a result, if a parking charge is implemented for the currently free on-street parking, long term parking demand could be controlled and reduced, leaving more vacant parking spaces for short term stays. This management of parking demand would be accomplished through a modal shift for certain commuters along with changes in parking locations for those commuters who still prefer to travel by car. As a result, by controlling commuter parking demand, traffic inside Valletta is also reduced leaving the city less congested. In addition, limitations faced during the studies were also mentioned alongside with the recommendations for future studies and the implication for policy implementation. Description: M.A.GEOGRAPHY 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/62567 Title: Female perceptions and attitudes on contraceptives Abstract: The use of contraceptives is recognised for its importance in safeguarding an individual’s health by preventing unplanned pregnancies and STIs. In Malta, this notion was accepted towards the latter part of the 20th century. There has been a decline in fertility since the end of World War II in Malta, and a modal shift in thinking was observed since the 1970s, with increasing secularisation. There are studies on the use of contraceptive methods, even in Malta, where since the 1990s, there has been a shift in contraceptives used, but there are limited studies on perceptions and attitudes. This study has found a relationship between place of upbringing and whether participants are influenced by family and friends. Marital status was a determinant factor and influenced whether participants still believe it’s shameful to discuss contraceptives within the community. Overall, the participants still believed that contraceptives are considered shameful within the community. Description: B.A.(HONS)GEOGRAPHY 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/62563 Title: Social acceptance and attitudes towards the legalisations of same-sex civil union and marriage : a socio-geographic study Abstract: In April 2014, Malta became the ninth country to recognise same-sex civil union which also allowed same-sex couples to jointly adopt. This paved the way for the 2017 amendments made on the civil-marriage act which entitled them to turn their union into marriage. However, given that both legislations were passed without a referendum, it poses interesting questions on whether personal attitudes are in compliance with the local, national and international legal processes. What are the acceptance levels and attitudes within the Maltese Islands, and what are the underlying influential spheres? In this study the application of the Rural Development Department (2009) rural-urban classification to LAU 1 (NSO, 2019b) is challenged in order to investigate its applicability to Malta and its size in relation to the relevant studies. Through the use of a qualitatively-dominant mixed-method approach, the respondents showed high agreement levels towards the legislations in question, supporting human rights and equality for all. However, social attitudes and acceptance were perceived differently, predominantly on the basis of Roman Catholic influence. Description: B.A.(HONS)GEOGRAPHY 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z