ADPD calls for zero tolerance approach to overspeeding and drunk driving
Green Party wants immediate licence suspensions for lawbreakers
Motorists caught overspeeding or under the influence while driving should have their licence immediately suspended, the Green Party believes.
ADPD public relations officer Brian Decelis said more police officers are needed on local roads, with stricter enforcement against overspeeding.
“Speed limits are there for a purpose and the fines need to be quite severe, and licence suspension for those who violate these speed limits should become the norm,” Decelis said.
Decelis was speaking at a press conference the party held on Saturday to highlight its transport and car-related proposals.
The ADPD wants to see fewer cars on local roads with a greater emphasis on pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, priority lanes for buses, pedestrianised village squares and the linking of nearby localities through mobility routes.
“We need infrastructure to cater for other means of transport such as bicycles and proper pavements for pedestrians. There is the need to reduce the number of cars on the road so that residents are assured alternative, safer and efficient means of transport,” Decelis said.
ADPD Secretary General Ralph Cassar said the government “is doing the exact opposite of what is happening in many cities and localities in Europe.”
“Public spaces should not be reserved for cars, and more and more space should be set aside for cleaner means of transport,” Cassar said. We want safer roads, a clampdown on dangerous driving and stricter measures that include permanent suspension of driving licences because of dangerous driving, speeding and negligence.”
Cassar said the ADPD would like to see localities close to the University of Malta, the Higher Secondary, and MCAST connected with mobility routes and neighbouring areas such as Marsascala, Żabbar, Marsaxlokk and Birżebbuġa also connected.
“Transport Minister Bonett’s half-baked proposals are designed to avoid rocking the boat. These have not and will not yield any results or culture change”, concluded Cassar.