WPC Charlene Camilleri, f/Commissioner of Police, Floriana
Sale and towing of vehicles
With reference to Joseph Stafrace's letter, Driver's Legal Questions (April 14), the writer and other readers might wish to note that the law is clear enough when it comes to vehicles for sale. One may, in the case of auto dealers, refer to Legal Notice 1 of 2006 Schedule II Article 0.5, which stipulates that "Where the commercial activity comprises the sale or repair of vehicles, no vehicles shall be displayed for sale, repaired or else be washed in any part of the street. No vehicles whatever kind, commercial or otherwise, brand new or second hand can be parked in any public place for the intention of exhibiting for sale the vehicle, marked by the words 'for sale' or any other words that indicate the aforesaid intention".
The above does not apply to individual persons.
On the other hand, as to Mr Stafrace's query about cars being towed, Subsidiary Legislation 65.11 Article 87 states that "No motor vehicle shall tow any other vehicle unless the tow rope or chain be so adjusted that the distance separating nearest points of the motor vehicles shall not exceed 4.5 metres and steps shall be taken to render the tow rope or chain easily distinguishable by other users of the road by the attachment of a white rag".
Furthermore, the writer may wish to note that the law also maintains that the person in control of the vehicle is to be in possession of a driving licence and that "the vehicle on tow shall carry lights both in front and at the rear during the period when lights are to be brought in operation".
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Ramon Casha
May 2nd 2009, 18:29
You could've fooled me. They're all over the place.
Incidentally, do similar rules apply to cars/vehicles for rent?
john fenech
May 2nd 2009, 17:24
I believe that more information should be provided as regard towing:
What type of ropes should be use for the different loads on tow? Are these available from spare part outlets?
Should a towing sign be affixed at the back of the towed car to warn other drivers?
What is the permissible speed limit?
Since the brakes and other auxiliary systems will be almost ineffective when the engine is switched off wouldn’t a solid bar be safer and more effective in case of sudden braking?
C. Scerri
May 2nd 2009, 13:32
And what about lines of cars with small pink or yellow papers stuck the windows - and these all disappear in the evening when the owner puts them back in the garage? This is a sight that can be easily seen whenever a car dealer is within 100 metres. These have found a nice loop hole in the law and are taking precious parking space.
Peter Bonnici
May 2nd 2009, 13:30
@ WPC Charlene Camilleri
I'm surprised to see that the Police are actually aware of such laws, so how does one explain the blatant offences taking place at the lower end of Guze Duca Street Qormi, where used cars for sale are left of the pavement, at times without number plates?
And how can the Police explain their inaction, where in Isoard Street, Marsa, a particular dealer imports trucks from Japan for resale, and leaves them all along the road, taking up precious space, and unlicenced, in spite of reports by neighbours?
Barry Smith Abela (Ex-Pat)
May 2nd 2009, 12:18
Now that we have a first class Police Force and Police Commissioner at last we are beggening to upgrade and falling in line with the rest of europe.Oh by the way Mr.Galea Sir, with due respect its not only in Gozo, Malta is no different breaking such traffic violations, i live in the St.Julians area and you should see these youngsters especially weekends with their immaculate conditon heated up sports cars and what have you yet they still, SHOW OFF by constantly creating a F-16 jet fighters noise just to show us that they are the King of the road., more like a blo*dy headache if you ask me.
J.Galea
May 2nd 2009, 12:02
Great now we are getting somewhere in line with our partners in the eu, thanks to the Police Commissioner perhaps maybe he should visit Gozo as well, some seem to be getting away Scot free when it comes to such violations regarding any form of transport, and also their driving habits especially in Victoria, some even have a habit of parking right in front of a privately owned properties when the sign clearly says No Parking or garage is in constant use.
Joseph Stafrace
May 2nd 2009, 09:51
Many thanks to the Police Commissioner and in particular WPC Charmaine Camilleri for putting people's minds at rest.