Enforcement on six traffic contraventions will be relaxed as from tomorrow, with only a warning ticket by wardens being issued.

Each subsequent offence in that particular category would, however, lead to a fine. 

The measure will apply in the cases of defective lights, damaged lights, road licence not affixed to the windscreen, defective silencer, vehicle not in good condition such as missing side mirrors, front grille or mudguard, and in certain cases of illegal parking.

The warning system, however, will not apply to police enforcement.

Addressing a news conference at the Local Enforcement System Agency offices, Parliamentary Secretary Stefano Buontempo insisted these changes were being introduced in response to people's feedback.  He rejected criticism, however, that the measure was a populist move.

"This government does not consider wardens as a money-making machine and our aim is to give motorists a second chance in cases of minor offences," he said. 

He noted that since Lesa was set up in 2015, the total number of tickets issued for the six types of contraventions was 28,000. 

In a presentation, Lesa chief Ray Zammit pointed out that in case of illegal parking involving the obstruction of a garage, a space dedicated for blue badge holders, or when a vehicle was obstructing the road, no warnings would be issued but fines.

In the case of unloading bays, warnings would only apply if the driver is close to the car and the vehicle in question was not obstructing a commercial vehicle.

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