As from this January, car drivers are also able to ride low-powered motor scooters without having to obtain an additional licence. It is a Budget measure that comes with various conditions attached.
Scooters must still be insured, have an automatic transmission and not exceed 125cc and 11 kilowatts in power. Though not obliged to take a driving test, motorists will still have to take a minimum number of lessons at an accredited motoring school. Moreover, pillion passengers will not be allowed.
The authorities say the measure is intended to ease traffic congestion. However, if not properly implemented and the conditions not strictly enforced, the measure could well serve to cause further congestion and even increase the dangers on our roads, which have already witnessed a horrific fatality just five days into the new year.
There are various issues that fuel daily traffic jams. The most visible is the number of vehicles. According to the National Statistics Office, at the end of September, the stock of licensed motor vehicles stood at 344, 543.
Vehicles are, of course, one of the major pollutants, with dire consequences on the environment and the quality of life.
Another consideration is an inadequate infrastructure that has not moved in parallel to building regulations. It’s not simply a matter of not having a road network that is large enough. Building new roads and providing more parking space will not ease traffic congestion. Rather, the capability of the existing network can be improved by improving the management of road infrastructure.
Traffic congestion is fuelled by a frustrating and dangerous ignorance of driving etiquette. Even the most basicregulations – from not driving on the outside lane if not overtaking to not using indicators – cause traffic jams and accidents. This is aggravated by lack of enforcement and scarcity of traffic police.
There is a cost to traffic congestion. According to the Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development of the University of Malta, the external cost of private and commercial vehicle use in Malta was €274 million in 2012. These costs are estimated to increase by 16 per cent in 2020 should no action be taken to reduce the use of private cars.
On its own, the low-powered motor scooter measure will only have a short-term effect, if any. Rather, a holistic and long-term approach should be taken to solve the traffic problem.
Technology can surely play a major role. A shared demand responsive transport service, mobile apps and geographic information systems were tested and used in other countries and have proved to be valuable in traffic management. Such systems also generate valuable data and real-time information that can be used to make the best decisions possible.
Also, people should have an attractive incentive to use public transport, reduce their reliance on private vehicles and consider alternative means of commuting and travelling such as car pooling, cycling and walking.
When compared to private vehicles, the use of commercial vehicles is higher than average. Therefore, companies should also be encouraged to adopt green logistics, including effective fleet management, a green travel plan for employees and eco-driving training for drivers.
It is only if such measures are adopted holistically and strategically that we can ease traffic problems.