Carpool Parking To Increase At University Of Malta

Apr 4 2025

As part of Malta’s growing push to reduce traffic and change how we move, Transport Minister Chris Bonett has announced an upgrade to the University of Malta’s carpooling initiative — a measure that already exists but is now getting a serious boost.

Currently, the scheme provides 8 dedicated carpool parking spaces on campus, and drivers only need to carpool with one other person to use them. But with the government’s new involvement, that’s about to change.

Minister Bonett confirmed that the government will support KSU by increasing the number of carpooling spaces within the university campus, while also making the scheme more impactful: drivers will now need to carpool with at least two other people to qualify for the reserved spots.

The Minister thanked KSU (Kunsill Studenti Universitarji) for their commitment and involvement throughout a full year of discussions and consultations that have helped shape these transport reforms. He acknowledged that parking at university has been a long-standing issue, and said this improved carpooling effort is part of a wider vision to relieve congestion both on and off campus.

This is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. In recent days, the government also announced:

A €25,000 grant for drivers who surrender their car and licence for five years.

A €6,000 scheme for 17-year-olds who stick to scooters and delay getting a car licence until age 21.

The Scooter Shift Grant, offering €6,000 to adults who give up their car and switch to a scooter for four years.

A new grant of up to €2,500 for purchasing low- or mid-powered motorcycles, with added scrappage bonuses.

“We don’t want to force people,” Minister Bonett reiterated. “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 measures will begin rolling out next month, and that all will be in place within 18 months — including the expanded university carpool scheme.

#MaltaDaily

Waste To Be Collected At Night – Other Services To Operate Outside Peak Hours

Apr 4 2025

In another move to fight Malta’s traffic crisis, Transport Minister Chris Bonett has announced a new set of measures targeting peak hour congestion, aiming to cut down unnecessary traffic during the country’s busiest times.

Malta’s peak traffic hours are currently:

Monday to Friday: 06:00 – 09:00 and 16:00 – 19:00

Saturday: 09:00 – 13:00

To reduce pressure on the roads during these times, the government will start shifting key operations — like road marking, road cleaning, waste collection, and landscaping — outside of peak hours, with the long-term goal of eventually moving these activities to night-time.

In parallel, front-facing public services will also be adjusted to avoid peak hours. Transport Malta will launch a pilot project where its offices open from 10:00am onwards, instead of the standard 8:00am start — helping to reduce early morning road congestion.

Minister Bonett said the aim is to spread out road usage more evenly across the day, especially by limiting how many government-related errands and operations are contributing to peak traffic.

This new approach follows a string of bold traffic-busting measures already announced, including:

A €25,000 grant for drivers who surrender their car and licence for five years

A €6,000 scheme for 17-year-olds who delay getting a car licence and use a scooter

The Scooter Shift Grant, offering €6,000 to adults who switch to two wheels

Motorcycle grants of up to €2,500, with scrappage bonuses

A reform increasing the age for vintage vehicle classification from 25 to 30 years

An expansion of carpool parking at the University of Malta

“We don’t want to force people,” Bonett repeated, “but we want to convince them that they need to be with us — and help us beat traffic by embracing these voluntary changes.”

He also confirmed that some of the new measures will begin rolling out next month, with all set to be fully in place within the next 18 months.

#MaltaDaily

Only Cars Over 35 Years Old Will Qualify As Vintage Under New Rules

Apr 4 2025

As part of Malta’s ongoing transport reform, the government has announced a major update to the rules around vintage vehicles — and it’s one classic car owners will want to pay close attention to.

Currently, vehicles classified as vintage must be at least 30 years old. Under the new Vintage Vehicle Reform, this limit will increase to 35 years.

The measure will also tighten standards to ensure that only cars kept in proper vintage condition will qualify to be maintained as vintage vehicles.

The goal is to ensure that Malta’s vintage vehicle community remains authentic and well-preserved, focusing on quality restoration and care — not simply age.

This new measure is the latest addition to a growing list of government initiatives aimed at transforming how Malta moves. Other recently announced transport incentives include:

A €25,000 grant for drivers who surrender their car and licence for five years

A €6,000 scheme for 17-year-olds who delay getting a car licence and stick to scooters

The Scooter Shift Grant offering €6,000 to adults who give up their car for a scooter

Up to €2,500 in motorcycle grants, including extra bonuses for scrapping old vehicles

An expansion of carpooling spaces at the University of Malta, with stricter ride-share rules

Minister Chris Bonett thanked all stakeholders involved in the ongoing consultation process and said the aim is not to enforce, but to encourage:

“We don’t want to force people, but we want to convince them to join us and help beat traffic through voluntary, practical choices.”

He also stressed the importance of every life on the road, adding that safety remains a key priority — even as Malta was recently ranked as having the second safest roads in Europe.

Some of these measures are expected to roll out as early as next month, with all set to be in place within 18 months.

#MaltaDaily

31 Year Old Man Arrested For Cannabis Cultivation

Apr 4 2025

A 31 year old man resident of Ħal Balzan was arrested in connection to illegal cultivation of cannabis plants.

After days of investigations and surveillance on a garage in Żurrieq, police conducted a raid on the premises.

There, police discovered apparatus appropriate for the cultivation as well as over 40 plants of cannabis.

Other objects were also found linked to the cultivation of the plant.

An inquiry has been opened and investigations are ongoing.

The culprit is being held under arrest and is expected to be taken to court today at 1100hrs.

#MaltaDaily