The Nationalist Party has proposed measures aimed at improving safety on the roads, including through the introduction of a new criminal offence in the law.
The Nationalist Party referred to traffic accidents and fatalities on Malta's roads, the public's growing concern about this situation, and "the Government's failure to respond with effective action to restore peace of mind."
"In addition to its ongoing campaign calling for greater road safety through stronger enforcement - and in light of the Labour Government's failure to meet its own National Transport Strategy targets, as evidenced by the sharp rise in road fatalities - the PN stresses the urgent need for greater investment in the Police Force, the Traffic Section, and the authorities responsible for road enforcement, all of which are areas where the Government is falling short."
The PN said that it is insisting on a number of points.
Firstly, that there be zero tolerance for accidents under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with stronger legal backing for enforcement.
On this point, the PN said it will be presenting the following proposals for legal reform through a Private Member's Bill at the first opportunity in Parliament. "i. Zero tolerance for accidents under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or unlicensed driving: It shall become mandatory procedure that following any traffic accident involving personal injury or property damage, a test is carried out to establish whether any individual was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The accident itself should be considered reasonable suspicion to justify testing under the law. Any positive test result must lead to the immediate revocation of the driving licence."
"ii. Harsher penalties: Amend existing penalties related to traffic offences by introducing longer driving licence suspensions in cases of unlicensed driving, dangerous driving, and/or driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs."
"iii. New criminal offence: As already introduced in other countries, a new specific criminal offence should be created for causing death or grievous bodily harm due to gross negligence, recklessness, and/or dangerous driving. This offence would carry a minimum penalty of five years' effective imprisonment, rising up to life imprisonment in cases with aggravating factors."
Secondly, the PN is insisting on investment in drug-driving testing equipment, not only alcohol. "Currently, the Police Force has 18 breathalysers, while LESA has five breathalyser kits - all of which only detect alcohol. It is worth noting that of these 18, only one was purchased with government public funds. The PN believes the number of roadside testing devices must be increased, but also insists Malta must invest in kits capable of testing for drug-driving. This is a real and serious problem on our roads."
Thirdly, it wants more personnel and better resource allocation in the Traffic Section. "It is a fact that Police Force numbers are not keeping pace with the growing demands of the service or the increase in population. This is most evident in the shortage of traffic officers on our roads - something the public has long observed, and the results speak for themselves. This is further compounded by confusion over competences between the Police Force and other government entities responsible for road enforcement."
The PN thanked and saluted the dedicated work of Police officers and road enforcement authorities, "who - rain or shine - continue to provide an essential service to our country."
The PN committed itself "to achieve in its first legislature in government what the Labour Government has failed to deliver in 11 years: meeting its own target of halving road fatalities."
The PN statement was signed by Darren Carabott, Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Reforms, Mark Anthony Sammut,
Shadow Minister for Transport and Mobility, and Karol Aquilina, Shadow Minister for Justice