15,713 Traffic Accidents In Malta In 2022

Mar 12 2024

In 2022, road transport in Malta witnessed various shifts and trends, as reported by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

The year saw a concerning rise in traffic accidents, totalling 15,713, marking an increase of 1,578 incidents compared to the previous year. Notably, 34.2% of these accidents occurred in the Northern Harbour district.

Despite efforts to enhance road safety, traffic casualties rose by 5.0%, with fatalities including 11 drivers, one passenger, 15 pedestrians, and a horse sulky rider.

The stock of licensed motor vehicles experienced steady growth, increasing by an average net rate of 33 vehicles per day. Passenger cars remained dominant, constituting 74.7% of the total licensed motor vehicles, although e-kick scooters witnessed the most significant surge in registrations compared to 2021.

Additionally, alternative powered motor vehicles saw a substantial increase of 54.9%.

Newly licensed motor vehicles amounted to 23,016, a 9.4% rise from the previous year, with 66.5% being new vehicles.

Interestingly, the number of licensed motor vehicles per 1,000 residents slightly decreased to 784, with the Gozo and Comino district registering the highest ratio at 1,053 vehicles per 1,000 residents, while the Northern Harbour recorded the lowest at 673 vehicles per 1,000 residents.

Despite efforts to curb theft and contraventions, vehicle thefts increased by 27.2%, totalling 309 incidents, while transport-related contraventions reached 308,444, including 50,782 speed camera violations.

Moreover, public transport commuters significantly rose to 49,222,425, representing a 39.8% increase over 2021, with passenger cars accounting for the majority of the total distance traveled, amounting to 2,321 million kilometres, or 79.5% of the total distance traveled.

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20% Of Equality Mainstreaming Strategy Completed In 1st Year

Mar 12 2024

The Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality, Rebecca Buttigieg, announced that 20% of the action plan stemming from the first year of implementing the strategy on equality and mainstreaming has been achieved.

This declaration came during a conference held by the Directorate for Human Rights, tasked with overseeing the strategy’s five-year implementation.

Buttigieg highlighted the appointment of officials in each Ministry to ensure the execution of equality measures and the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate these efforts. She emphasized that new legislation now reflects equality principles, with ongoing efforts to align existing laws accordingly.

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The conference also explored methods to enhance women’s involvement in politics, decision-making processes, and leadership roles across private and public sectors.

Buttigieg affirmed the Maltese government’s commitment to enacting a new EU directive mandating adequate female representation on corporate boards, seen as a significant stride towards gender equality, complementing recent advancements made by Maltese women.

She noted that nearly 28% of female deputies in the current legislative session resulted from corrective measures employed for the first time in the previous election, marking progress in women’s political participation.

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Works On Armier To Gozo Ferry Road Expected To Finish By June 1st

Mar 12 2024

Infrastructure works on the road from Armier to the Gozo Ferry are underway, scheduled for completion by June 1st.

The expansion includes a new lane from the Armier roundabout to the Ċirkewwa Terminal, aiming to facilitate smoother travel for Gozitans and Maltese commuters, especially during the upcoming summer season. Minister Chris Bonett and Infrastructure Malta are overseeing the project, which involves dividing traffic into two lanes along the route.

With a €7 million investment, the project covers a 2.5-kilometer stretch from the Marfa roundabout to Ċirkewwa. Initial work focuses on the Marfa roundabout to the Police Bay/Ċirkewwa Terminal section, with structural enhancements and safety measures, including replacing steel structures with certified concrete.

Cycling infrastructure improvements and alternative routes for cyclists will be provided. Precautions will be taken to minimize disruptions to public transport and emergency services.

Minister Bonett reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving transportation infrastructure to enhance the quality of life for Maltese families. This project initiates a series of planned efforts to alleviate traffic congestion across Malta.

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Cabinet Celebrate Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne’s Birthday

Mar 12 2024

Prime Minister Robert Abela’s cabinet celebrated the 61st birthday of Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne.

The former Health minister and now Minister for European Funds, Social Dialogue and Consumer Protection was surprised with a cake as the rest of his colleagues celebrated and sang him a happy birthday.

The cabinet went on to joke that Fearne is now 50 years old with some experience.

The Deputy prime minister is known for his leading of Malta through the COVID-19 pandemic, earning him honorary titles and praise abroad as well as the nomination for president of the World Health Assembly on April 3rd 2023.

Happy birthday Chris Fearne!

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