More than 16,000 vehicles were stopped by police during around 720 traffic checks carried out across Malta and Gozo between June and September.

The checks were conducted by various sections of the Police Force, both during the day and at night, as part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety, identify motorists breaking traffic regulations and reduce risks for road users.

While the vast majority of drivers were found to be complying with traffic regulations, police issued around 880 summonses and filed 104 charges.

A total of 98 tests were also carried out on people suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Sixteen people tested positive for alcohol.

Among the most common offences identified during the checks were driving without a valid driving licence and/or insurance policy, failing to wear a seat belt, using a mobile phone while driving and other breaches of traffic regulations.

The police said traffic checks would continue in the coming days and months.

Motorists were urged to observe traffic regulations and drive responsibly, with respect for their own lives and those of all other road users.