Hundreds of drivers booked for traffic irregularities caught during inspections

Hundreds of drivers were booked for traffic irregularities during inspections carried out by the police in the last three months of 2020, the police said in a statement.

Some 7,000 vehicles were stopped by the police in inspections carried out between October and December by district and traffic police, the Rapid Intervention Unit, the Environmental Protection Unit and other police sections, at times also with the assistance of the Armed Forces of Malta.

The most common booking was for drivers whose vehicles did not carry number plates or whose lights were not functioning as per regulations. Others were booked for not wearing seat-belts and for not wearing masks as per Covid-19 restrictions.

Providing a breakdown of its operations, the police said 110 traffic inspections were carried out in October, 115 in November and 150 in December.

In October, 10 people were caught with drugs, two drivers were caught driving under the influence of alcohol, and other drivers were booked for carrying weapons.

In November, 13 people were caught with drugs and two others were carrying weapons.

In December, 14 drivers were caught behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol, 13 were driving at excessive speed and other drivers were booked for other offences.

In comments, Police Commissioner Angelo Gafa said that these inspections will continue to be carried out to ensure better road safety.