Police motorcyclists are forced to speak over handheld radios, sometimes while chasing cars, because they are not issued with the earpieces they have been asking for.

Sources said most officers were known to talk on the radio even during a car chase, holding the walkie-talkie in one hand and balancing their heavy motorcycles with the other as they called for backup.

Ironically, the officers end up breaking one of the rules they are meant to enforce: not talking on hand held devices while driving.

The information comes as traffic policemen have grown increasingly concerned about their safety following the accident involving a colleague last week. In fact, the sources said policemen are wary about using the handheld sets but they have little option, given the demanding nature of the job.

Police Sergeant Malcolm Mifsud was critically injured when he skidded on wet tarmac and crashed into a nearby lamppost in Great Siege Street, Floriana. He was operated upon for hours and then put in intensive care. His condition improved since then and has been moved to another ward.

But the accident reignited questions about the officers' safety. Especially as the traffic branch has been asking for uniforms that offer more protection for a number of years. The ones they are issued with are basically identical to the ones worn by the rest of the police force, save the compulsory helmet, gloves and boots.

However, the helmets do not fully cover the face and, according to sources, the visor that can be pulled over the eyes and nose "is only there to stop the flies". The gloves and boots are apparently of a very poor quality.

The officers have been asking to have their equipment replaced with the sort of gear worn by motorcycle police in the rest of Europe.

They specifically asked for helmets that cover the head completely, reflective jackets with padding on the back, shoulders and arms, gloves with padding on the knuckles and fingers. They also asked for boots with padding and trousers with reflective strips down the sides. Most of all, they have asked for wireless headsets.

When the complaints were relayed by The Times to the administration of the Police Corps, the force replied, saying it had always ensured the safety of its motorcyclists and is actively discussing a number of uniform samples they have recently received.

When asked specifically whether it is considering the equipment asked for, especially the wireless headsets, the force said information is considered to be of an internal nature and declined to comment further.