The government on Saturday unveiled a series of measures which are aimed to tackle Malta’s traffic congestion, and include financial benefits for anyone who gives up driving.
Announcing the incentives, Transport Minister Chris Bonett said drivers will be offered €25,000 to give up their car and licence for five years.
17-year-olds will also be paid €1,500 a year for four years to ride scooters instead of obtaining a driving licence.
The government is planning to introduce the measures between the next three and 18 months.
A series of new bus routes servicing major industrial zones will start from 20 April.
Other proposals include:
A €1,000 grant to purchase motorcycles under 200cc and extra €1,000 if scrapping a car or van in the process;
Designated carpooling parking spaces at the University of Malta;
Shifting road services (from landscaping to road cleansing) to off-peak hours;
Shifting hospitality, construction, retail and manufacturing deliveries to off-peak hours;
Develop park and ride facilities in Ta’ Qali, Paola, Cospicua and Pembroke;
Allow public parking at government sites outside office hours;
Increase parking spots for motorbikes, scooters and electric vehicles.
Bonett said the incentives should cost between €10 and €15 million to implement.
Anyone who takes up the €25,000 offer will not be allowed to drive any other licensed vehicle, including motorbikes. Applicants would need to give up their vehicle licence plate to qualify.
New bus routes to industrial estates in Marsa, San Ġwann, Ħal Farruġ, Bulebel, Corradino, and Marsa will be introduced along with others to different localities, including a route linking Mater Dei, St Vincent de Paul and the airport and another linking Valletta hotels to the airport.
The government aims to introduce a new park-and-ride system for Paola and Tarxien from the Addolorata Cemetery within the next months. The service will pass through Tarxien and end at the Paola square.
Road cleansing and road marking work will all shift to off-peak hours over the coming months, the minister said.
Bonett promised to update the public about the government’s mobility plan every three months. He said he will explain the government’s plan for the upcoming quarter while giving an update of the government’s work to implement the policy.
Other measures include:
Study into feasibility of cargo ferries at places like Corradino and the Freeport Terminal;
Concluding a National Cycling Strategy;
Developing a national walking strategy;
Appointment of the Alternative Mobility Ambassador and Committee.