More than one of every three drivers pulled over in roadblocks across the island over the past few days was breaking the law in some way or other, the police said.
Some 850 vehicles were checked in 25 roadblocks mounted by the police, with about 320 drivers found in contravention of traffic rules.
A police spokeswoman told the Times of Malta the spot checks were a regular occurrence and that officers carried out roadside inspections throughout the year.
Police sources said, however, that a concerted effort was made in recent weeks to tackle irregularities and fight motorists’ “perception that driving offences were not taken seriously” by the authorities.
The police said the irregularities recorded in the recent efforts included the use of mobile phones while behind the wheel (both talking and texting) and numerous drivers’ blood alcohol found to be over the accepted limit.
Irregularities noted in the recent efforts included the use of mobile phones while behind the wheel
Other offences ranged from vehicles having tinted windows without the necessary permit to drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts and unlicensed vehicles that were not insured, the spokeswoman said.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat last month ordered a review of traffic penalties, particularly with regard to drink driving, following a surge in traffic accidents.
Eleven people have already died in roadside accidents so far this year, and the number of injuries increased by nearly 30 per cent in the first quarter. Government sources said a wide-ranging reform of traffic penalties was being drafted by the Justice Ministry in collaboration with traffic experts, the police and other stakeholders.
Several proposals have been made by stakeholders in recent weeks, including a call for a penalty points system that could see drivers’ licences suspended or even revoked after amassing a certain number of offences.
Official figures show that, over the past three years, there were an average 15,000 collisions a year. Some penalties have already been revised, but those involved in the reform fear increased fines are not serving as an adequate deterrent.
The fines for using mobile phones while driving were doubled last year, up from €50 to €100. About 2,000 motorists a month are fined for using their mobile phone while driving. Traffic police officers told this newspaper they had noted the illegal practice was not getting any better.
The police spokeswoman said one driver was found in possession of what was suspected to be illicit substances during a roadside inspection earlier this week.