Traffic Bill gets green light from stakeholders

Insurance companies, cyclists, taxi drivers and the Opposition have welcomed a Bill proposing stricter alcohol limits for motorists and extending the points system across the board to make roads safer. Details of these amendments to the Traffic Regulations Ordnance were given last Wednesday in Parliament by Justice Minister Owen Bonnici during the Second Reading Stage of this Bill. The Opposition said that it will support amendments as they focused on increased penalties for drink driving and unlicenced vehicles. Apart from increasing fines on a range of offences like driving without a valid licence or with false registration plates, the Bill is proposing a complete ban on alcohol consumption for drivers of passenger vehicles, including taxis, buses and coaches. Moreover, local wardens will be empowered to administer breathalyser tests and summon the police in case a motorists fails. This newspaper yesterday sought the reaction of major stakeholders, including the Malta Insurance Association. “As an active member of the Road Safety Council, the MIA is committed to improving safety on our roads, and the Association has already taken practical steps, through its donation of...