Police get six new electric vehicles for tourist areas
The vehicles are being financed by funds jointly administered by the MHRA, MTA and the Foreign Ministry
A tripartite agreement between the tourism ministry, the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) and the police has led to the purchase of six new electric vehicles for use by community police officers in tourist areas.
The vehicles will operate across Sliema, Swieqi, Cottonera, Marsaxlokk, Paceville and Gozo.
The police said the new vehicles would enhance rapid response and reduce tourism-related crimes while strengthening community relations, “contributing directly to the visitor experience and to Malta’s reputation as a safe and reliable destination”.
The agreement, funded through the eco-contribution fund, was announced on Monday and aims to strengthen security, sustainability, and the quality of Malta’s tourism product.
According to the tourism ministry, €231,000 was approved for the acquisition of the vehicles, which were purchased by the MHRA following consultations with the police to ensure they met operational requirements.
The vehicles have now been formally handed over to the police force and registered in its name, with no financial obligation on the force.
The ministry said the vehicles would be used exclusively by the community policing unit to improve the police presence in tourist zones, strengthen rapid response capabilities and reduce tourism-related crime.
The initiative also seeks to improve relations between the police and local communities while contributing to a safer experience for visitors.
The ministry described the agreement as a “concrete and strategic step” towards reinforcing sustainable and regenerative tourism in Malta and Gozo, while maintaining a balance between tourism activity and residents’ quality of life.
Police said the new vehicles would help officers patrol busy tourism hotspots more efficiently, particularly during the peak summer season when visitor numbers increase significantly.
The agreement also underlines closer cooperation between government, private industry and law enforcement authorities, with the ministry saying it demonstrated how eco-contribution funds could be used in a targeted way to improve the tourism sector.
The MHRA welcomed the initiative, describing it as an investment in both public safety and the country’s international reputation as a secure tourist destination.
MHRA chief executive Andrew Agius Muscat said the association worked with various stakeholders to support sustainable tourism, with the police a “key partner”.
“Therefore, through these electric cars, safety is essential, both for the quality of tourism and for the community good and therefore we believe that the role of the police for the community is particularly important.”