The Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, in collaboration with the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government, has announced that Boiler Wharf in Senglea will now be open to the public daily between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The parking area, which accommodates around 35 vehicles, will be made accessible following arrangements by Transport Malta and the Senglea Local Council as part of the Reshaping Our Mobility plan. The initiative aims to make better use of government-owned urban spaces and parking facilities during off-hours.
Transport Minister Chris Bonett also unveiled a series of new measures, financial grants, and schemes encouraging the use of cleaner, more sustainable transport. He noted that cultural change in mobility does not happen by chance but through direct incentives and investment in infrastructure. "The existing schemes for electric vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and other alternative means of transport will remain in force," Bonett said, "while we are also introducing a new regularisation scheme for overdue vehicle licence fees, giving owners a fair opportunity to regularise themselves."
Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli highlighted the collaboration between the Isla Local Council and Transport Malta saying it is easing parking pressures for both residents and visitors, including on weekends. She stressed that local councils play an essential role in improving residents' quality of life and promoting sustainability within communities.
Financial Grants and Incentive Schemes
Transport Malta will continue to accept applications for grants on the purchase of new electric vehicles, including petrol-powered motorcycles, until the end of December. From 2026, the following grants will be available to the public:
Grants for New Electric Vehicles and Motorcycles
- €500 for pedelecs (electric-assisted bicycles)
- €2,000-€6,000 for electric motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles
- €8,000 for cars and vans priced under €40,000
- €6,000 for cars and vans priced between €40,000 and €100,000
Scrappage Scheme
- €500 for scrapping a motorcycle
- €1,000 for scrapping a car
- Additional €1,000 for scrapping vehicles registered in Gozo
Other Schemes
- Scheme for purchasing pedelecs, petrol motorcycles, and e-kick scooters
- Full VAT refund on bicycles and e-bikes
- Scheme for wheelchair-accessible vehicles used for passenger transport
Reduced Registration and Licence Fees
From 1 January 2026, motorcycles up to 350cc will be exempt from registration tax, and their annual road licence fee will drop to €25.
Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles with an electric range exceeding 50km will remain exempt from both registration tax and road licence fees for five years from the date of registration.
Regularisation Scheme for Vehicle Licence Arrears
Transport Malta will introduce a new scheme allowing owners to regularise vehicles that were scrapped, garaged, exported, or transferred without official notification. It offers a chance for owners with outstanding dues to settle pending payments.
The scheme will also apply to cases such as:
- Vehicles belonging to deceased owners or where inheritance has not been accepted
- Individuals residing in institutions or hospitals or homes who cannot complete documentation
- Vehicles registered under companies that have been liquidated or are no longer registered
Further details and application procedures for all schemes will be published on the official Transport Malta website.