Watch: Jason Micallef Calls For Random Drug Tests On Drivers By Plain-Clothes Officers
PL executive member Jason Micallef said that plain-clothes police officers should be empowered to carry out random and sudden drug tests on drivers.
In an interview on Lovin Malta, Micallef warned that many road accidents are the result of people driving under the influence of some kind of substance.
He argued that while police roadblocks act as a deterrent, drivers may slow down and drive carefully when approaching them.
“The concept of officers stopping you unexpectedly and searching you without a warrant doesn’t exist in Malta,” he said.
A similar call was recently made by Dr Jonathan Joslin, a senior consultant at Mater Dei’s emergency department.
Joslin warned that the law which bans officers from carrying out random drug and alcohol tests on drivers without reasonable suspicion is allowing high-risk drivers to remain undetected before it is too late.
He called for random police checkpoints at varied times and locations, unmarked patrol vehicles, and mobile testing units.
He also called for severe consequences for people caught driving under the influence, including the immediate suspension of their driving licenses, vehicle seizures in extreme or repeat cases, public naming where appropriate, and mandatory rehab programmes.
His call for stronger enforcement was backed by Insurance Association Malta.
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