The Nationalist Party has proposed the introduction of a driving license, the mandatory use of a helmet and a penalty point system for all e-scooter users. 

The party issued a statement explaining that it looked at solutions which were undertaken in foreign countries to see if some can be implemented in the local context. 

The government, the party said, lacks a vision that integrates different modes of transport on Maltese roads. This has resulted in ‘an infrastructure and public transport of an inadequate level.’

The Opposition pin-pointed lack of parking spaces and lack of enforcement as two of the major infrastructural problems faced by Malta s this point. In a list of proposals, the PN said that operators should verify that e-scooter users have a valid license – in the AM category for those aged between 16 and 18, and any other for those 18 and over. 

The party also proposed a mobile app be developed which would allow people to report faulty scooters or those parked illegally. Operators would also be responsible in removing them within a stipulated time frame if abuse is verified. 

Apart from this, the party suggested that: the e-scooters have visible registration plates; that enforcement agencies have the right to confiscate e-scooters in breach of laws; that awareness campaigns be held; that dedicated parking spaces be set up and; use of helmets should be enforced. 

Furthermore, fines are to be paid directly by operators who are liable to collect money from infringing users. Fines for over-speeding should be registered through non-intrusive speed limit trackers. The number of registered e-scooters should also be proportional to the number of parking spaces offered for them. 

The statement was signed by PN MPs Rebekah Cilia, Adrian Delia, Graziella Galea, Eve Borg Bonello, Graziella Attard Previ and Janice Chetcuti. 

#MaltaDaily