Just 88 speeders in two years
Few boat owners charged for going too fast at sea, despite safety fears
Only 88 boat owners were charged with speeding between 2010 and last year, according to Transport Malta, which deems this a “considerable” number.
Two weeks ago, snorkeller Charles Brignone was found dead after he was struck in the head by a boat’s propeller, prompting questions about safety at sea. The police are still investigating the case.
Law enforcement at sea is the responsibility of four entities that are obliged to support each other in their different competencies, resources and responsibilities.
They are the police, the Armed Forces of Malta, the Fisheries Department within the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs and Transport Malta. Asked whether these entities made use of any specialised equipment, such as mobile speed cameras, a Transport Malta spokesman said that enforcement was carried out by “professional personnel”.
“Over the years, a considerable number of individuals have been prosecuted on the basis of the evidence obtained through the intervention of these officers,” the spokesman said, without giving details.
No information was given on the number of charges issued so far this year but The Times was directed to Transport Malta’s annual reports of 2010 and 2011.
The reports say 12 charges for speeding were issued in 2010 and 76 in 2011.
Law enforcers rely on sea patrols and reports by the public when it comes to investigations.
“Enforcement is done through a number of initiatives including following up reports received by the public via telephone line number 119,” the Transport Malta spokesman said. The regulator “invested considerably” to promote this number, with the public responding positively, he added.
Sea patrols are conducted by the AFM, the police and Transport Malta.
“While the primary objective is to educate and instil a higher sense of awareness and responsibility into boat owners and users, enforcement officers regularly issue charges and prosecute abusers.”
Effective enforcement “necessitates participation and cooperation by all stakeholders” including boat owners, fishermen, swimmers, divers and other water sport enthusiasts, the spokesman said.