Imagine this: you’re cruising down Triq San Pawl in Rabat, the sun is setting, and you’re barely clocking 500km on your car this year. Now, what if I told you, you could be paying nothing for your car licence? That’s exactly what the Nationalist Party (PN) is proposing.

The PN has pledged to slash car licence fees for drivers who clock less than 500km a year. This isn’t just a drop in the ocean; it’s a significant shift in policy that could save thousands of Maltese motorists a pretty penny. The proposal, announced by PN leader Bernard Grech, aims to incentivise low-mileage driving and ease the financial burden on those who use their cars sparingly.

The PN plans to introduce a new tiered system for car licence fees. Drivers who clock less than 500km a year would pay nothing. Those who drive between 500km and 2,500km would pay a reduced fee, while those who drive more than 2,500km would pay the current fee. The PN estimates that around 40% of Maltese drivers could benefit from this proposal.

But how will they enforce it? The PN suggests using data from the Transport Malta’s vehicle tracking system. While this raises privacy concerns, Grech insists that the system will be strong and respectful of data protection laws.

The proposal has sparked a mix of reactions. Environmentalists welcome the move, seeing it as an incentive for lower car usage and thus reduced emissions. However, some critics argue that it’s a gimmick that doesn’t address the root causes of traffic congestion and pollution. Others question how feasible it is to implement and enforce.

Economically, the proposal could provide some relief to low-mileage drivers, potentially freeing up funds for other expenses. However, it also raises questions about how the government will make up for the lost revenue from licence fees.

Transport Malta, when approached for comment, simply stated that they are aware of the proposal and will be following its development.

If elected, the PN plans to introduce this proposal within its first 100 days in office. However, with the next general election not due until 2027, it’s a long way off. In the meantime, the proposal adds another dimension to the political debate around transport and the environment in Malta.

“This is about fairness and encouraging responsible driving,” Grech said. “We want to reward those who use their cars sparingly, not punish them.”