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.

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The government is continuing its transport shake-up with the announcement of four new Park & Ride (P&R) facilities — part of a broader strategy to reduce cars on the road and ease pressure during peak hours.

Transport Minister Chris Bonett revealed the plans during the same national conference where he introduced a wave of traffic-busting reforms, including a €25,000 car-free grant, youth scooter schemes, vintage vehicle reforms, and motorcycle incentives.

The new P&R facilities will be located in:

– Ta’ Qali

– Paola

– Bormla (planned, but delayed)

– Pembroke

These new hubs will complement existing P&R facilities, with expanded connectivity and services reaching nearby areas such as Mosta, Qormi, and Rabat, the latter two of which will be serviced via the Ta’ Qali hub.

The Paola Park & Ride will be the first to launch, making use of the Addolorata area, which is currently underutilised on weekdays. A circular shuttle bus will connect the site directly to Paola Square, offering commuters a practical way to avoid town centre traffic.

The Pembroke P&R will help ease congestion into St Julian’s and Sliema, while Ta’ Qali will serve as a major northern hub, offering shuttle routes to the University, Mater Dei Hospital, central areas and the south.

Minister Bonett explained that while most of the new P&R facilities are expected to be ready within the next 18 months, Bormla’s project may take longer due to complex planning requirements and permits — so no firm timeline has been set for its completion.

In addition to the new Park & Rides, the government will also begin opening up government properties for public parking, including:

Allowing parking at government sites after hours, starting with Transport Malta

Identifying additional public sites to be gradually made available for public use

Bonett said that Park & Ride systems abroad have proven to reduce traffic when implemented properly, especially when supported by frequent shuttle services.

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