The traffic contraventions petitions system has been made more accessible thanks to the introduction of a new service on the website www.les.gov.mt, where motorists can lodge a petition and upload any relevant documents and photos.

Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici gave details of the system yesterday, saying that statistics show that the Board of Petitions is becoming one of the most popular means of contesting traffic contraventions. In fact, the number of registered petitions increased from 7,866 in 2006 – when the Board of Petitions was set up – to 20,265 last year. The board accepts an average of about 60% of registered petitions every year.

Dr Mifsud Bonnici said this demonstrates the strength of the system, which serves as a defence mechanism. He spoke of the need to increase awareness about the benefits of the system, which allows motorists to contest fines on humanitarian grounds or due to a mistake in the contravention, among other things. He said it normally takes between four and six weeks for the board to process petitions.

The introduction of the ‘Lodge a Petition’ system on the Local Enforcement System website means that motorists no longer need to contest traffic contraventions by sending a letter and any relevant documentation by post.

The process involves the completion of a short, one-time registration that does not require an e-ID. After searching for the specific contravention, the information loads automatically and motorists can then proceed by writing their petition in the space provided and uploading any relevant files in the following formats: .doc(x), .jpg, .jpeg and .pdf.

The system generates a confirmation indicating that the petition has been lodged and motorists then receive a formal acknowledgement via email once the Board of Petitions processes the petition. This may take up to two working days. Once registered, petitioners can track the status of their petition online and the board’s decision would then be communicated via email.