Against the backdrop of what was announced by the Government last week in favour of enhanced road safety, the Government and the organisation Doctors for Road Safety had a discussion in favour of further collaboration between them to advance the work so that this reform is carried out successfully and the common goals are achieved. With the members of the organisation positively welcoming the thinking and direction that the Government is giving with the draft law.
Doctors for Road Safety is a non-governmental organisation founded by doctors and medical students who work towards the highest standards of road safety in Malta and Gozo.
Last week the Government announced 5 deterrent measures for greater safety on our roads. These include:
- Police drug tests on the street – similar to the way alcohol tests are conducted today.
- Random Roadside Testing, where drug or alcohol tests are conducted even without reasonable suspicion.
- An effective prison sentence for anyone found guilty of killing a person, even involuntarily, under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Penalties for those who choose to drive drunk or under the influence of drugs are strengthened, with harsher fines at the disposal of the Court.
- Power to the Prosecution to request that the driving license be suspended while proceedings are pending, where it will then be up to the Court to decide on this request.
The Government delegation was led by Prime Minister Robert Abela who was accompanied by Ministers Byron Camilleri and Chris Bonett, as well as the Head of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat Colonel Mark Mallia and with them Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà and Transport Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia.
Photo (OPM)
