Minister lauds police for festive season clampdown

Justice Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici congratulated the police force for the sterling work carried out over the festive season.

This year, in a period normally cursed with fatal or serious accidents, none were registered, thanks to an increased police presence on the roads and an awareness campaign on drink-driving.

Dr Mifsud Bonnici thanked all the officers and the force’s administration not only for enforcing the law effectively but also for working on an effective prevention and education campaign for the public not to abuse of alcohol.

In July last year, the Ministry of Justice toughened the laws aimed at curbing drink-driving, including a stiffer fine of €1,200 for people caught drinking under the influence of alcohol.

On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, 1,400 drivers were stopped and 25 will be charged on counts of drink-driving. Assistant Police Commissioner Josie Brincat had described this year’s campaign as a “success”, which also saw a bigger number of people turning to public transport, taxis, minibuses or just not drinking as they planned their nights out.