Next step in transport is to move away from dependency on private vehicles - Borg

The next step in transport is to move away from our dependency on the private vehicle, Transport Minister Ian Borg said yesterday.

He was opening the first workshop for regional stakeholders for the Prometeus project, which promotes electromobility and sustainable low-carbon emission transport. This workshop is an important part of the consultation between all involved parties, so that Malta’s transport system can reach the highest quality environmental standards, with protection of the environment taking priority.

Ian Borg said that it is essential to address environmental challenges. The government, he said, has already taken steps to change the way in which we generate energy in the country, and that the next step is for this to be reflected in the country’s transport system.

Borg said his ministry was already taking several steps to move away from dependency on personal vehicles. He mentioned the work being done in the Destinations project which focuses on the planning of sustainable urban mobility solutions, as well as the Smiths project, which will be giving a boost to the mentality of making use of a variety of alternative means of transport which do not necessarily include our personal car.

Borg mentioned the investments being made in infrastructure, and which consider the needs of alternative means such as bicycles. At the same time, until this modal shift takes place, and in consideration of those who cannot refrain from using the private vehicle, we need to aid their conversion to vehicles which do not pollute the environment, such as electric cars and plug-in hybrids,” Borg said.

He reminded those present of the EU objectives for the year 2020, when Malta is expected to have 5,000 electric cars and 500 charging points, and it was here that he mentioned the contract which was recently signed with CAR2GO Israel for the service GoTo Anytime Anywhere, which will help exceed the charging point goal while getting us closer to the goal for electric cars.

Borg also spoke about the budget measures which will incentivise Maltese citizens to buy electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids, as these will be exempt from paying registration tax and road licence for five years. Minister Borg also reminded those in attendance of the announcement made by the Prime Minister, when he stated that Malta aims to be among those European countries to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles.

He said that this will not be an easy transition, and something of the sort always comes with several problems, but he emphasised that it is an essential milestone in the protection of the environment and it is necessary for Malta to be in line with the plans of the European Union. The minister said that consultation on this transition will soon begin, and will be led by the Ministry for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change.

However, now is the time for transport sector stakeholders to communicate their thoughts, as it is important that they too take the necessary steps to help reduce pollution by looking into the factor of vehicle electrification. This is why this workshop will give them the opportunity to share these thoughts in order for us to move forward.