Awaiting Cabinet approval

New regulations, which will make it mandatory for passengers in minibuses and coaches to wear a seat belt, are awaiting approval by the Cabinet, a spokesman for the Malta Transport Authority (ADT) said.

Answering questions by The Times, the spokesman explained that all new minibuses registered since 1998 are fitted with seat belts.

She said the new regulations, which will be published soon, provide for the use of seat belts only on vehicles that are fitted with such accessories.

Fines for failing to abide by the regulations vary between Lm10 and Lm25.

A father who contacted The Times last week expressed concern that children travelling in minibuses were not strapped down.

The ADT spokesman said passengers in minibuses and coaches fitted with safety systems will be informed of the requirement to wear safety belts when seated and when the vehicle is in motion.

Such information will be communicated either by the vehicle's driver, by the courier or by the official designated as a group leader or by means of prominently displayed signs.