The Malta Transport Authority (ADT) is looking into the introduction of an online payment system for the renewal of vehicle licences, Urban Development and the Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett said yesterday.

Speaking at the opening of the parliamentary debate over the authority’s financial estimates for this year, Minister Mugliett commented on the authority’s operations with regard to the issuing of licenses. Heavy criticism has been levelled for the long queues at ADT offices.

“We are sensitive to the criticism and are working to improve the system,” he said. He also said that the authority is working on the introduction of a computerised system known as VERA. Furthermore, the authority is looking at the introduction of an on-line licence renewal system and other forms of payment, he said.

Contrary to the criticism levelled, the authority operates rather efficiently considering it incorporates a host of departments with different work practices.

The authority is careful with its expenditure, he emphasised, especially when one considers that – despite the money it administers – only Lm2.7 million are voted for its administration, of which Lm2.2 million go to pay wages.

Together with the Inland Revenue and the VAT departments, the ADT is one of the authorities which generates most money, he pointed out. The company employs nearly 300 employees.

This is a particular time for the development of roads, he emphasised, given the influx of investment resulting from the Italian protocol and EU funds, coupled with the money invested by the government. The current vote for road development reaches Lm15 million, he said, pointing out that, in past years, the government used to allot some Lm7-Lm8 million and often much less. When one considers that the authority is managing such funds and taking on so many responsibilities, one is led to conclude that it is being managed efficiently, he reiterated.

He also commented on the increasing VRT test failures as a result of the recent beefing-up of the test. He insisted that the measures were introduced in order to safeguard people’s safety on the roads. The rate of road accidents in Malta is quite high, he pointed out. A report is being prepared in which accident black spots will be identified – when the report is completed, these spots will be addressed.

He also spoke of public transport, saying that, while emphasis is usually placed on buses, public transport in Malta does not just equate to such means of transport.

In fact, he said, the authority is working on a reform involving taxis.

“We are not happy with the complaining that goes on with regard to the behaviour of taxi drivers and we will be addressing this issue,” he concluded.