On-the-spot fines for littering, noisy tourists from June 1
Foreign nationals who pay the fine but disagree with it will still have the right to appear before a Commissioner for Justice
Updated 10.50am
Tourists will be required to pay on-the-spot fines for littering and excessive noise from June 1.
Police officers, LESA officials and officers from the Environment and Resources Authority will be able to collect immediate electronic payment from foreign nationals who do not reside in Malta, including tourists, who break the law.
Tourists often fail to pay their fines, the Home Affairs Ministry said in a statement on Monday, and the measures, which will be introduced through a legal notice, will enforce consequences for those who refuse to pay.
“We want tourists visiting our country to enjoy Malta’s beauty while also showing respect towards the Maltese and Gozitan people and our society," Minister Byron Camilleri said in the statement.
"Today, Malta is among the safest countries in the world and the safest in the Mediterranean, but this is an achievement we worked hard for and intend to maintain. Therefore, this is another step towards greater order and discipline. It complements other initiatives we have implemented, including the installation of cameras in areas where they were most needed, including Paceville, as well as the establishment of a specialised Police squad in Paceville.”
To ensure a fair system, foreign nationals without Maltese residency who pay an on-the-spot fine but disagree with it will still have the right to appear before a Commissioner for Justice in a tribunal.
The measure has already been introduced in other European countries, such as Italy and Croatia. In Portugal's popular seaside town of Albufeira, wearing swimwear off the beach could cost a tourist up to €1,500. In Spain's Balearic Islands – including Mallorca and Ibiza – public drinking fines can reach €3,000, it said.
Tourists there have to pay on-the-spot fines for antisocial behaviour, including public drinking, wearing swimwear off the beach, littering, walking shirtless or driving in restricted zones.
Residents of Paceville, Sliema and Swieqi have frequently complained about unsocial behaviour, including damage to cars and property.
Momentum says minister took on its proposal
Reacting, Momentum said it had proposed the law "long ago".
“This measure, though a belated one, is most welcome and should have been implemented ages ago," Arnold Cassola, Momentum's leader and candidate in the 9th and 10th district, said.
"However, why should a Maltese citizen be exempted from such spot-on fines? What is the difference between a foreign tenant or a Maltese landlord leaving out the rubbish on the wrong day in Swieqi, Sliema or Gżira? What is the difference between a Maltese vandal or an Italian or Spanish one smashing car side mirrors along the road?" he asked.
Mark Camilleri Gambin, candidate for the 3rd and 11th district, added that lawbreakers and vandals were deemed as such irrespective of their nationality.
"Is this some terrible new populist trend for excluding foreigners from our society?” he asked.