A new sight will greet holiday-makers and locals alike in St Paul’s Bay after the local council donated two electric scooters to the Qawra police station.

St Paul’s Bay mayor Paul Bugeja handed the two nifty little scooters over to Police Commissioner John Rizzo in an amicable and offbeat presentation ceremony at the locality’s police station yesterday.

The scooters, which cost some Lm400 apiece, run on batteries and are completely silent, as well as being more environmentally friendly than their petrol-driven equivalents.

Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg, who was in attendance in his capacity as both minister responsible for the Police Corps and local councils, said he was immensely pleased with the Qawra council’s initiative.

“I am very pleased to see that the local council has undertaken this initiative. It shows the bond there is between both entities who work together for the good of the community,” said Dr Borg.

He said the scooters would serve as a boost for the police, reminding those present that the population of Bugibba, Qawra and St Paul’s Bay’s had mushroomed over the past few years.

“No doubt, these scooters will help the police reach out further to the community,” he said. After the presentation ceremony, a moment of humour punctuated the atmosphere when a police officer started up the scooters – they were so silent that worried glances and raised eyebrows were exchanged because no one was quite sure whether they were working or not.

That was all dispelled when the officer got on the scooter and gave those present a quick demonstration of its capabilities. Silent, quick and nimble, they are sure to be a hit.