Pierre Vella – who has been tasked by the Transport Ministry to oversee the operations of the national council for road safety – welcomed the fact that the authorities concerned are acknowledging the importance of road safety, including the ministry itself and the regulatory authority itself.

Mr Vella – who is known for his Formula 1 and motoring-related articles and television programmes - was speaking during the first official meeting held by the council.

Transport Minister Joe Mizzi said that unfortunately, we still see people driving while speaking on their cell phones who put their lives at risk and those of others as a result. Others, he continued, drive under the influence.

Chairperson of the council Roderick Vella said that each member should emerge with recommendations and alerting the council on any observations they would have made.

The council comprises a number of federations and associations from various sectors and also includes representatives from the Civil Protection Department, Police Force, insurance companies, local council association, Health Department, Cyclists’ Federation, 2 Wheels Foundation, the officer of the commissioner of children, KNPD, among others.