Economy and consumer issues spokesman Noel Agius said: “AD understands that insurance premiums had to rise to cover pillion rider liability, but the increase – in some cases by over four times – is being charged across the board, without the possibility of waivers as is the case in other countries. The owners of one-seater bikes are also expected to pay for the cover of a pillion rider they cannot carry”.

Apart from this, Mr Agius says AD considers it unacceptable that all bikers are made to pay for the green card that entitles them to travel in the EU when, in actual fact, only a very small percentage of bikers take their bikes overseas.

Alternattiva Demokratika has therefore suggested a two-tier insurance premium – one for bikers who opt for international cover and another that covers only use on local roads.

“The high premiums could discourage the use of motorcycles, which could have a negative impact on the environment because most motorcycles are more ecologically friendly than cars, apart from occupying much less space. The use of motorcycles also reduces traffic congestion. The arbitrary increases in premiums should therefore be reconsidered in the best interests of everyone”, concluded Mr Agius.