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

Sliema Crash: How Did a Man Without a Malta Residence Permit Hold a Driving Licence?

Imagine this: a car speeds down Sliema’s Tower Road, a bustling street lined with shops and cafes. Suddenly, it mounts the pavement, causing chaos and injuring pedestrians. The driver, a man named Mohamed Ali, is arrested. But here’s the twist – Ali was driving with a Maltese licence, despite not having a residence permit. How did this happen?

Ali’s Driving History: A Red Flag?

Ali, a 35-year-old Tunisian national, was granted a Maltese driving licence in 2019. However, he never applied for, or was granted, a residence permit. According to Maltese law, non-residents can obtain a driving licence, but they must provide proof of residence in their country of origin. So, what went wrong?

Ali’s driving history in Malta is chequered. He was involved in another road incident in 2020, and his licence was suspended. Yet, he was back behind the wheel when the Sliema crash occurred. This raises questions about the system’s effectiveness in monitoring and suspending licences.

Licence Issuance: A Systemic Issue?

The Transport Malta authority, responsible for issuing driving licences, is under scrutiny. How did Ali’s licence suspension not flag his application for renewal? why was his licence reinstated after the 2020 incident?

Transport Malta has remained tight-lipped, only confirming that Ali’s licence was suspended following the Sliema crash. Opposition politicians have called for an investigation, with some suggesting that the system may be too lenient or poorly monitored.

Residents React: Safety Concerns

Sliema residents are up in arms. “We see foreigners driving without a clue about Maltese roads,” said Maria Attard, a Sliema resident. “Something’s not right if someone can drive here without even living here,” added Joseph Galea, another resident.

Local councillors have echoed these concerns, calling for stricter controls. “We need to ensure that only competent, licensed drivers are on our roads,” said Rosette Cutajar, a Sliema local councillor.

: Tighter Controls?

With the Sliema crash still fresh in their minds, residents are calling for stricter controls. They want Transport Malta to tighten its grip on licence issuance and suspension. if this crash will lead to systemic changes.

For now, Ali remains in custody, charged with causing grievous bodily harm by criminal negligence. His case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance on our roads.