Sliema Crash: Driver Held Licence Despite No Residence Permit
Sliema Crash: Driver Held Licence Despite No Residence Permit
Picture this: a bustling summer evening in Sliema, the sun dipping below the Mediterranean, and the promenade buzzing with life. Suddenly, a car mounts the pavement, ploughing into a group of pedestrians. The scene is chaos, and the aftermath leaves several injured. Now, months later, questions are being raised about the driver’s credentials.
It has emerged that the driver, a 32-year-old man, was in possession of a Maltese driving licence despite not having a valid residence permit. This revelation has sparked concern among locals and raised questions about the licensing process.
Licence Issued Despite Residency Gap
According to sources, the driver obtained his Maltese licence in 2018 but his residence permit expired in 2020. Despite this, he continued to drive using the Maltese licence, which is a legal requirement in Malta. The question on everyone’s lips is: how was this possible?
The Maltese driving licence is typically issued to residents and those with a valid permit of stay. However, it seems that in this case, the driver managed to renew his licence without providing proof of a valid residence permit. This has led to speculation about potential loopholes in the system.
Transport Malta: ‘System Under Review’
Transport Malta, the authority responsible for issuing driving licences, has confirmed that the driver’s licence was indeed renewed without a valid residence permit. In a statement, they noted that the system is currently under review to prevent such occurrences in the future.
“We are aware of the incident and the concerns it has raised,” a spokesperson for Transport Malta said. “We are currently reviewing our processes to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and reassure the public that the safety of road users is our top priority.”
Meanwhile, the driver has been charged with various offences, including driving without a valid licence and causing injury by dangerous driving. The case is ongoing, and the driver has been released on bail.
This incident has served as a stark reminder of to the rules of the road. It has also highlighted the need for strong systems to ensure that only those with the necessary credentials are granted driving licences. , it is crucial that we learn from this incident and take steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
