Sliema Crash: How Did a Driver Without a Residence Permit Hold a Maltese Licence?

Picture this: a bustling summer evening in Sliema. Tourists and locals alike stroll along the seafront, ice cream in hand, enjoying the warm Mediterranean breeze. Suddenly, the peaceful scene is shattered by the screech of brakes and the crunch of metal. A car has just crashed into a group of pedestrians, leaving several injured. The driver, a foreign national, holds a Maltese driving licence. But how is this possible when they don’t have a residence permit?

Unravelling the Licence Conundrum

Malta’s Roads Transport Authority (RTA) issues driving licences to foreign nationals, but under strict conditions. Applicants must provide proof of residence, a valid driving licence from their home country, and pass a medical examination. So, how did the Sliema crash driver manage to obtain a licence without a residence permit?

According to sources close to the investigation, the driver’s licence was issued in 2019. At the time, the rules were less stringent, allowing foreign nationals to apply for a licence using a temporary residence certificate. However, this certificate is only valid for a maximum of six months. So, how did the driver manage to keep their licence active for so long without a valid residence permit?

Loopholes and Grey Areas

It seems the driver may have exploited a loophole in the system. While the RTA requires applicants to provide proof of residence, they don’t actively verify its validity beyond the initial application. This means that, theoretically, a driver could renew their licence year after year using an expired or invalid residence certificate.

the RTA’s online system allows drivers to renew their licences without physically visiting the authority’s offices. This could make it easier for drivers without valid residence permits to slip through the net. However, the RTA has since tightened its rules, requiring all licence holders to provide valid proof of residence when renewing their licences.

Consequences and Changes

The Sliema crash has sparked a flurry of activity at the RTA. They have begun a thorough review of all foreign nationals holding Maltese driving licences, cross-referencing their records with the Immigration Department to ensure they have valid residence permits. Any drivers found to be in breach of the rules will have their licences suspended immediately.

In the wake of this incident, the RTA is also considering implementing stricter measures, such as mandatory in-person licence renewals for foreign nationals and more frequent checks on the validity of residence permits.

For now, the driver involved in the Sliema crash remains in custody, accused of causing serious injury by driving without due care and attention. The case has highlighted the importance of stringent checks and balances in the driving licence application process, to ensure the safety of all road users in Malta.

“We must ensure that our roads are safe for everyone,” said a spokesperson for the RTA. “We are committed to reviewing and improving our processes to prevent such incidents from happening again.”

As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: the Sliema crash has brought a pressing issue to light, one that could have far-reaching consequences for the way driving licences are issued and renewed in Malta.