2,330 new vehicles in three months

James Hamilton

Apr 21st 2008, 15:33

With nearly 290,000 vehicles on this small island, getting from A to B is already proving to be a nightmare, apart from the congestion problems, the lack of parking spaces, the health aspect of inhaling all the obnoxious fumes, there is no doubt that driving here has become quite an ordeal in more ways than one. Not only for drivers but for the population in general.
Which then begs the question; What is the governments view to the amount of vehicles that can be imported into this country? ....... Does the government have a ceiling?
It is perhaps scurrilous to note that while the importation of vehicles has already surpassed the desirable level (in my opinion), we have a public transport service that is far from being described as overstretched. .........I think that it is about time that the whole public transport system were revamped, even going as far as to nationalise the industry making it more commuter friendly, only then will more people use this service and leave their car at home.

Christopher Camilleri

Apr 21st 2008, 14:24

Most Maltese people grumble about their salaries and how little or nothing they are able to save. This statistic proves the hypocrisy tof he Maltese, as most eligible drivers can afford to buy a new or second hand car.

If we take into account old people, young children, teenagers under 18, and people who don't have a licence, I would estimate a total of 320,000 people. It is astonishing that out of my estimate which I believe is more or less close to the actual figure... there are 289,450 cars!Therefore 90% of people who have a driving licence own a private car.

David Falzon

Apr 21st 2008, 14:21

If one takes your suggestion, prices for items will be increased. Can the Maltese suffer more high prices. These truck people also are in trouble with high costs diesel which effects their income.

Paul Barrett

Apr 21st 2008, 13:26

Mr Joseph E Briffa is right in some respects - i.e., regarding road license for private vehicles 2000cc and over paying a higher fee. However regarding commercial vehicles - although environmentally correct, he should keep in mind that the more a commercial vehicle costs to run, the more the price of goods/services to the general public will be pushed up. No business is going to just pay more and not cover the costs in higher prices.

Joseph E Briffa

Apr 21st 2008, 12:13

I feel that the car registration exercise should incorporate as well a revision of the road licence tariff structure. The revision exercise should reflect the 'polluter pay' principle; i.e. heavy vehicles should pay much more than the present ridiculous annual fee of €93 (LM40) for all commercial vehicles under 10 tons, as the heavier the vehicle the more damage it causes to the roads and the environment. . I suggest therefore that commercial vehicles under 2 tons should pay €100 p.a., vehicles over 2 and up to 3 tons €150, over 3 up to 5 tons €200; over 5 up to 10 tons €350; over 10 tons up to 20 tons € 600; 20 tons and over €1000. The proposed rates would still favour the commercial vehicles vis-a-vis private cars which pay $350 if they exceed 2000 cc but at least they would make a greater contribution towards road maintenance which is only fair, given that they are the main culprits.