The government is considering granting “some form of amnesty” for unpaid traffic fines and is proposing the setting up of a central government unit that will directly employ local wardens.

According to reform proposals unveiled yesterday, local wardens will fall under the unit – doing away with the need for private companies whose services are used for local enforcement.

The new system will aim to have better trained wardens who also have an educational role. It will also tackle the problem of unpaid traffic fines – that currently stand at €14 million.

Local wardens lost respect over the years. This reform also aims to restore the respect they deserve

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government José Herrera said he was evaluating the possibility of granting some form of amnesty for unpaid tickets.

He was speaking during the launch of the White Paper on the local enforcement system reform that is open for public consultation until April 18.

The reform revolves around the setting up of the centra-lised unit within the existing Local Enforcement System Management Committee.

The unit will employ wardens directly and provide a service to the five regional committees that, between them, cover all local councils in Malta and Gozo.

As things stand today (following 2011 amendments), regional committees have the legal power to employ private enforcement companies and make use of their wardens for enforcement purposes.

Dr Herrera said wardens who worked with those companies, and who were willing to undergo training, would be employed by the government unit. They will be given a salary and not paid on commission.

“Local wardens lost respect over the years… this reform also aims to restore the respect they deserve,” he said.

The money collected in fines will go to local councils, he said. Under the current system over 70 per cent goes to the private companies.

Government consultant Michael Cohen said between 2002 and 2011, €48 million worth of citations were issued – €8.6 million were never paid.

Since 2011, €10 million worth were issued, of which €3.7 million remained unpaid. There were cases of companies owing some €200,000.

Dr Herrera said a number of traffic fines had been issued to foreigners who visited Malta from Sicily. He was considering a system whereby they would not be allowed to leave the island before settling their dues.

Opposition spokesman David Agius said the Nationalist Party was open to change so long as it benefited local councils.

He said even though he did not agree with everything in the White Paper, the PN was willing to listen.

Fines in figures

*Before Regional Committees were set up in 2011, local councils pooled their resources and formed joint committees.