Transport Minister Censu Galea stressed in parliament yesterday that every driver, whatever his or her age, and every vehicle should be insured.

Winding up the debate on a bill amending the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party risks) Ordinance, Mr Galea said the bill indicated the nature of insurance which should be provided.

He said nobody could lose an insurance policy without reason or explanation. Insurance cover was the obligation of both the insurer and the insured.

The bill would cover the eventually of accidents involving foreign drivers and cars in Malta and Maltese cars and drivers involved in accidents abroad. Regulations would be issued to ensure that foreign cars in Malta were adequately covered by insurance.

The bill also provided for the setting up of a board to ensure there were clear guidelines on the award of compensation. Such criteria would be published by legal notice.

Mr Galea said that thanks to improved information collection methods, the possibility existed for closer collaboration between the government and insurance companies to ensure that all vehicles and drivers were adequately insured.

The bill was then given a second reading. The debate started on Tuesday.