Sliema Crash: Driver Held Licence Despite No Residence Permit

Imagine this: a car speeds through the bustling streets of Sliema, narrowly missing pedestrians and other vehicles, before finally coming to a halt in a crumpled heap against a wall. This wasn’t a scene from a Hollywood movie, but a real-life incident that left locals shaken and authorities questioning how the driver obtained a Maltese driving licence.

No Residence Permit, Yet a Maltese Licence

The driver, a foreign national, was found to be in possession of a Maltese driving licence despite not having a valid residence permit. This revelation has raised serious questions about the issuing process of driving licences on the island. According to sources, the individual had been living in Malta for some time but had overstayed their visa and failed to regularise their status.

In a statement, the Malta Police Force confirmed that the driver’s licence was issued by the Transport Malta authority. They also confirmed that the driver was arrested and charged with various offences, including driving without a valid licence and causing danger to road users.

Transport Malta’s Response

Transport Malta, the authority responsible for issuing driving licences, has been swift to respond to the incident. In a statement, they confirmed that they are investigating how the licence was issued and have assured the public that they are committed to ensuring the safety of all road users.

“We take this matter very seriously,” a spokesperson for Transport Malta said. “We are currently investigating how this individual was able to obtain a Maltese driving licence without a valid residence permit. We will take appropriate action once our investigation is complete.”

Local Reaction and Concerns

News of the incident has sparked concern and outrage among Sliema residents and road safety advocates. Many have taken to social media to express their frustration, with some calling for stricter measures to be implemented when issuing driving licences.

“It’s scary to think that someone without a valid residence permit could obtain a Maltese driving licence,” said Maria, a Sliema resident. “We need to ensure that our roads are safe for everyone, and that means making sure only those who are entitled to drive, do so.”

Others have called for a review of the current system, suggesting that it may be too easy for foreign nationals to obtain a Maltese driving licence without the necessary paperwork.

What Happens Next?

The incident has highlighted a potential loophole in the system, one that Transport Malta is now scrambling to close. While the investigation is ongoing, it’s clear that changes may be on the horizon to ensure that only those who are legally entitled to drive in Malta are able to obtain a licence.

In the meantime, the driver involved in the Sliema crash remains in custody, awaiting trial. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for strict enforcement of the rules governing driving licences in Malta.

As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: the safety of Malta’s roads is a top priority, and any measures that can be taken to ensure that only those who are legally entitled to drive, do so, will be explored.

For now, the people of Sliema can take comfort in the fact that the driver responsible for the crash is off the roads, and that Transport Malta is committed to ensuring that such incidents do not happen again.

If you have any information about this incident or any other road safety concerns, please contact the Malta Police Force on 119 or Transport Malta on 1800 22022.