There could be 21 new speed cameras on Malta’s roads within the next few months according to Local Government Minister José Herrera.

Following a parliamentary question from MP Silvio Grixti,  Herrera revealed that 17 local councils have applied for speed cameras in their areas.

These are Birgu (3), Ħal Qormi (1), Ħaż-Żabbar (1), Iż-Żejtun (1), Attard (1),  Birżebbuġa (3), Għajnsielem (unspecified), Ħal Għaxaq (1), Iklin (1), Marsaskala (1), Mellieħa (1), Mqabba (2), Naxxar (1), Paola (1), Qala (1), Rabat (1), Imtarfa (1).

From the list of applicants, it seems that for now, there are no plans to put speed cameras on the Coast Road, Malta’s hotspot for traffic accidents.

Malta has a long-standing problem with speeding and reckless driving with Malta’s police force issuing record-breaking fines when vigorously patrolling the streets during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there have still been several traffic-related deaths since the start of the year.

Last year, 16 people died in traffic-related accidents.

That’s one death every three weeks, the same average Malta’s had over the last two decades. Meanwhile, with over 14,000 accidents a year, there is an untold story to Malta’s haphazard driving.

There are hundreds of people who suffer injuries every single year, while over 80 walk away with grievous injuries. Broken limbs and gashing wounds from traffic collisions are sadly regular features of Malta’s emergency rooms.

It’s been over four years since former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat promised Lovin Malta that he would impose draconian measures to curb the pervasive virus and nothing has really changed

With a new police commissioner, hopefully Malta’s reckless driving issues will finally be addressed.

Do you think Malta needs more speed cameras?