Bill grants new powers to Transport Authority

Parliament yesterday started debating a Bill that broadens and better defines the functions of the Transport Authority, bringing it in line with European legislation.

Moving the Bill, Transport Minister Jesmond Mugliett said that there was the need for the authority to transform itself into a dynamic entity that keeps abreast with the latest developments. Since Malta's entry into the EU, the country's obligations in the transport field have increased.

He said the principal act was being amended to increase the authority's responsibilities with regard to the planning, installation and maintenance of fare stages, bus termini, taxi stands, horse cab stands and commuter facilities.

Another new function of the ADT would be the planning, design, regulation and authorisation of traffic signs, road markings and traffic calming measures, the installation of traffic control equipment and related lighting equipment.

The construction of speed ramps and the installation of speed cameras and other road traffic facilities for traffic management and control would also fall within the parameters of the authority.

The ADT would also provide and regulate parking places in public areas and streets and regulate and issue licences to car park attendants.

The authority would establish weights, dimensions and equipment requirements for vehicles. Mr Mugliett said this would lead to better safety for both drivers and pedestrians and would also, in the long run, give a longer life to roads.

He pointed out that, since the majority of the roads were being financed by overseas aid, the government had an obligation to see that these were used properly and served their design life.

Mr Mugliett said that the authority would also have the power to grant, renew, refuse, suspend or revoke licences. Its enforcement officers would be charged with the management, supervision and enforcement of traffic and transport laws.

They would have the power to stop vehicles, issue prohibition notices and enter any registered premises of an authorised road transport operator without ­needing a police presence. It would also be the ADT's ­responsibility to establish codes of conduct.

The minister said between October 2005 and September 2006, over 1,000 bus drivers were fined for different infringements. During the following 12 months, 1,644 drivers were fined.

The most common infringement was non-adherence to the schedule.

Mr Mugliett said that discipline was one of the main factors that led to a recent increase in the number of bus users.

The minister said that another significant innovation was the introduction of the Transport Appeals Board. He said there had been instances where the ADT was judge and jury in particular with respect to contraventions by owners of VRT garages. Seven stations were last year found guilty of contraventions and their owners forfeited their guarantee of Lm5,000.

In agreement with the GRTU, the ADT would now introduce a penalty-point system for the VRT garages.

The Appeals Board, which would also hear appeals from other actions taken by the ADT, would be chaired by a lawyer who would have been practicing for not less than seven years. The other two members would be versed in land transport.