Hot on the heels of the €25,000 car-free scheme, Transport Minister Chris Bonett has announced a second, youth-focused measure aimed at rethinking how the next generation gets around Malta.
17-year-olds will now be eligible to drive a small scooter — but only under one big condition: they must agree not to obtain a motor vehicle driving licence until they turn 21. In return, they’ll receive a €1,500 annual cash grant for four years, totalling €6,000.
The scheme comes with a similar rule to the €25,000 plan: teens must commit to the deal for at least one year, or they’re out. If they opt out after year one, they’ll need to pay back the remaining money.
This incentive is designed to delay young people from joining Malta’s growing car culture, and instead encourage lighter, more sustainable transport alternatives during their formative driving years.
It follows the dramatic measure revealed earlier this week, where adult drivers who surrender their cars and licences for five years will be paid €5,000 a year — adding up to a massive €25,000.
Minister Bonett said these ideas are part of a comprehensive plan to tackle Malta’s traffic crisis head-on, and follow a full year of consultation with people from all sectors of society. He acknowledged the surprisingly high level of public interest, and said he welcomed the constructive feedback that has helped shape these initiatives.
He emphasised the voluntary nature of the schemes, stating: “We don’t want to force people, but we want to convince them that they need to be with us and encourage them to help us beat traffic by using one of these measures on a voluntary basis.”
He also confirmed that some of these measures will begin rolling out as early as next month, signalling that this plan is not just talk — but action.
With more short-term and long-term solutions expected in the coming months, it’s clear the government is ready to shake up Malta’s transport system — starting with both seasoned drivers and the next generation.
