Sliema Crash: Man Drives on Maltese Licence Without Residence Permit

Imagine this: a car careening down Sliema’s Tower Road, the bustling heart of Malta’s most densely populated town. Now, picture the driver, a man with no legal right to be behind the wheel. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario; it’s the reality that unfolded on a sunny afternoon last week.

The man in question, a 35-year-old foreign national, was arrested following a crash that left his car a crumpled mess on the side of the road. What’s more, he was found to be driving on a Maltese licence despite not having a residence permit.

Malta’s road safety authority, Transport Malta, is responsible for issuing driving licences. Their rules are clear: to obtain a Maltese licence, one must either be a Maltese citizen, a EU/EEA/Swiss national, or a foreign resident with a valid residence permit.

So, how did this man manage to secure a licence? According to sources, he may have provided false documents, a practice that’s not unheard of but is strictly prohibited. The incident has raised questions about the robustness of the licensing system and the ease with which some may exploit it.

The accused has been charged with driving without a valid licence and causing damage by means of a motor vehicle. His licence has been suspended pending investigation. If found guilty, he could face a hefty fine and even imprisonment.

Transport Malta has launched an investigation into how the licence was issued. They’ve assured the public that they’re committed to weeding out such irregularities and ensuring the safety of Malta’s roads. Meanwhile, the Police are looking into whether the man had any other documents, such as his ID card, that might have been obtained fraudulently.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of to the rules. It’s not just about breaking the law; it’s about putting others at risk. As one local resident put it, “We see so many cars speeding down Tower Road. If drivers aren’t even supposed to be driving, it’s a recipe for disaster.”

In the coming days, we’ll be keeping a close eye on this story as it develops. We’ll be looking at the investigation’s findings, the potential consequences for the accused, and any changes Transport Malta might make to prevent such incidents in the future.