Total 14,648 Fines Issued For E-Scooter Issues In 2023

Jan 23 2024

Authorities issued a total of 14,648 fines for e-scooter violations in Malta in 2023, averaging 40 fines daily.

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri provided the figures, revealing that nearly half the fines were concentrated in Sliema and St Julians.

The peak occurred during summer, with an additional surge in early 2023, possibly indicating either intensified enforcement or improved e-scooter user behaviour.

Sliema received the highest fines at 3,987, followed closely by St Julians with 3,228, and St Paul’s Bay, a popular tourist spot, ranking third with 1,019 fines. Notably, all fines were imposed in Malta, with none issued in Gozo, where fewer e-scooters are observed.

The provided data also encompasses the initial 17 days of 2024, witnessing a notable decline in fines, averaging three per day.

This decrease aligns with the impending ban on e-scooter rentals scheduled for March; however, privately-owned e-scooters will remain permissible. Transport Minister Chris Bonett affirmed the continuation of the ban after succeeding Aaron Farrugia in a recent cabinet reshuffle.

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Gozo Carnival 2024 Programme Launched

Jan 23 2024

The Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri, launched the Carnival program in Gozo with activities scheduled to commence on February 4 and continue until February 13, 2024.

Minister Clint Camilleri stated, “Every year, significant efforts are made to ensure that this celebration of art and colors not only continues to grow but, more importantly, becomes sustainable.

As the Ministry for Gozo, believing in local artists, we ensure that this event not only continues to flourish but, more than that, becomes sustainable.”

He recalled that in September of the previous year, a scheme was initiated for the first time to provide financial assistance to Gozitan designers and Carnival organizations to revive venues that could be used for float construction.

This is in addition to the support given to local councils for the organization of Carnival-related activities. The National and Regional Celebrations Committee within the Cultural Heritage Directorate is responsible for organizing the Regional Carnival of Gozo, starting from February 9 and continuing until February 13 in Victoria.

The Ministry also assists several Gozitan local councils organizing Carnival-related events in their respective communities. Among them is the spontaneous Carnival of Nadur, which has been growing in popularity and is scheduled from February 9 to February 13 after sunset.

On February 4, there will also be Carnival activities organized in Għarb, among others. Minister Clint Camilleri concluded by expressing confidence that this year’s prepared activities will once again contribute to making the Gozo Carnival a memorable experience for the entire family, ensuring a positive trend linked with tourism for Gozo in the years to come.

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1.6 Million People Moved Between Malta & Gozo In Late 2023

Jan 23 2024

In the fourth quarter of 2023, sea transport between Malta and Gozo witnessed notable increases in passengers, vehicles, and trips compared to the same period in 2022.

Between October and December 2023, a total of 10,185 trips were conducted, carrying 1,612,813 passengers. October emerged as the busiest month, accounting for 37.2% of total trips during the quarter.

Passenger traffic between Mġarr and Ċirkewwa saw a 9.6% increase compared to the corresponding quarter in 2022, reaching 1,440,644 passengers.

The highest passenger numbers occurred in October, constituting 37.8% of the total for the quarter. Vehicle numbers rose by 3.2%, totaling 500,723 compared to the same quarter in the previous year.

Despite a 4.2% decrease in the number of trips during the fourth quarter, October remained the peak month with 3,118 trips, representing 36.6% of the total for the quarter.

The annual overview for 2023 revealed a 2.9% increase in the total number of trips, a 4.0% rise in vehicle movements, and a 15.4% surge in passengers compared to 2022.

July recorded the highest number of trips (4,073), while August saw the highest passenger (693,492) and vehicle (200,118) numbers. The statistics demonstrate the continued significance of maritime transport between Malta and Gozo.

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Leaving Parties With No Goodbye Saves 2 Days Per Year

Jan 23 2024

A report from the UNSW’s Time Management Institute reveals that the social convention of saying goodbye at parties may have hidden costs.

The study, based on interviews with 2000 Australians attending an average of 25 parties annually, found that the act of bidding farewell takes an average of 45 minutes once the decision to leave is made.

This translates to an annual average of 18 hours and 45 minutes spent on goodbyes, with some respondents spending double that time.

Researchers suggest that those who say their farewells often find themselves repeating the same excuses to multiple people and may be coerced into staying longer, especially by hosts.

Lead researcher Dean Hoddle advises against this, recommending the “backdoor benny” or a quick exit strategy to avoid unnecessary social exhaustion.

Respondents like Wayne Canning from Sydney share their preference for a clean exit, highlighting the draining nature of prolonged goodbyes. The study sheds light on the social dynamics and time-consuming nature of parting rituals at social gatherings.

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