Objection to charges on driving licence renewal

The Consumers' Association yesterday said it was unacceptable that administrative charges were being levied for the renewal of driving licences and it intended to take the matter up with the authorities.

Although these charges are covered by a legal notice, the association believes they are unfair and add a further burden on consumers.

"We cannot understand what extra work or other resources are required by the Malta Transport Authority (ADT) when consumers renew their driving licence. Is it not enough that consumers have to pay €46.50 to renew their driving licence?"

The statement was issued after a consumer filed a complaint that he was made to pay €5.80 in administrative charges by the ADT when renewing his licence. As is normal procedure, the association investigated the complaint and wrote to the ADT chairman, asking under which law or legal notice the authority was empowered to levy such a charge.

In a brief reply to the association, the ADT quoted legal notice 65.18 Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations substituted by L.N. 25 of 2007, page 50, Ninth Schedule, regulation 37 and 51, driving licence fees.