In Luxembourg, the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Aaron Farrugia attended the Transport Council of EU Ministers, where the Ministers present discussed the Road Safety Package for the first time. EU Transport Ministers have shown concern for the increase in accidents and fatalities on European roads. Given this context, and the fact that these member states have signed a declaration to achieve a net zero fatality rate, the Ministers discussed a number of measures at a European level that should help achieve this target.
Malta welcomed the set of proposals which are considered instrumental for the European Union to achieve its Vision Zero objectives – that is to record no road fatalities by 2050, and to ensure safer roads for all citizens.
A progress report was presented by the Swedish Presidency to the Ministers on the Proposal to amend the current Directive facilitating cross-border exchange of information on road safety traffic offences. The new proposed Directive seeks to extend the scope of offences which are covered by the existing Directive. Consequently, the authorities in the Member States’ can share information on drivers’ offences in order to ensure that such offenders are penalised according to the penalties of the country where the offence is committed. Equal treatment when such offences are committed is essential—whether by residents or non-residents and, thereby contributing to making Europe’s roads safer.
Minister Farrugia welcomed the need for the assessment of driving skills and knowledge linked to new vehicle technologies and new road risk factors, recognizing the importance of lifelong training for drivers, irrespective of the drivers’ age or driving experience and the move towards digital drivers’ licences.
“As a country we are satisfied that road safety is at the top of the agenda for this Council of Ministers. The Swedish Presidency has done a great job on this file, and as Malta we will keep supporting every effort to make our roads safer. All this bodes well in the context of the launch of Malta’s first comprehensive action plan for road safety just a couple of months ago. Key in this plan is the strong increase in enforcement and the establishment of the first Road Safety Commission which will investigate and come forward with recommendations beyond the legalities of each accident,” stated Minister Farrugia.
Discussions about the upcoming summer travel season also took place. Minister Farrugia supported the importance of good cooperation and collaboration amongst Member States, and all relevant aviation stakeholders, to avoid travel delays and disruptions and ensure that citizens are able to travel smoothly this summer.
Ministers were also updated on the latest developments on the Fit-For-55 package and its implications on the transport sector. These proposals aim to reduce GHG emissions by at least 55% by the year 2030.
