Transport Minister Ian Borg has insisted the police “cannot be everywhere” in reaction to criticism that the slashed drink-driving limits were having no positive impact.

Transport Minister Ian Borg. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Last week, Times of Malta reported insurers feared that lowering the drink-driving alcohol limits had little-to-no impact on traffic accidents, with intoxicated motorists still getting behind the wheel.

The impact was so “minimal” that insurance companies have reported no improvements in accidents involving drivers who had consumed alcohol above permitted levels.

Asked for a reaction on this, Dr Borg said that while the government was “worried about every accident”, it was clear that despite the laws being in place and there being enforcement, people were still abusing the system.

“We need more campaigns, including better use of social media, so that people are educated. No minister or government can control what every person drinks. We make the legislation, we enforce and we make campaigns, but ultimately this is a collective responsibility,” Dr Borg insisted. 

When it was pointed to him that there has been criticism over a lack of enforcement, with this only being stepped up around the festive period in December, Dr Borg dismissed the criticism, insisting the laws were being enforced all year round.

“I am convinced that the necessary enforcement is taking place. But I repeat, this is not solely an issue of enforcement. The police cannot be at every party, wedding or family event to monitor what people are drinking. 

We need more campaigns, including better use of social media, so that people are educated

“It is the people who need to be responsible and be aware that when drinking and driving they are putting themselves – and those around them – in danger,” Dr Borg said.

In recent months, insurers have repeatedly expressed scepticism on the low number of people caught breaking drink-driving rules. They stepped up calls for action after this newspaper reported earlier this year that only three people were caught driving under the influence of alcohol on New Year’s Eve and none on Christmas Eve. 

According to the revised rules, motorists are considered to be under the influence of alcohol if they are found to have 22 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. This means that a man of average build is limited to just under a pint of beer or a large glass of wine while women can consume no more than half a pint of beer or a small glass of wine. 

claire.caruana@timesofmalta.com