To reduce traffic congestion within its borders, Malta has launched a unique program offering young people the option of temporarily relinquishing their driver's licenses. Residents under the age of 30 are eligible to receive up to 25,000 euros over five years if they agree to voluntarily suspend their license and not drive any vehicle during this period.
In concrete terms, the participants receive 5 euros per year in exchange for this commitment. To be eligible, they must have lived in Malta for at least seven years and held their license for more than one year. During the five years of the program, they agree not to drive, either in Malta or abroad. At the end of this period, they can have their license reinstated after completing 15 hours of driver training.
Reduce traffic and encourage other modes of transport
This measure is part of a broader strategy aimed at reduce car dependencyThis small island state has approximately 457,000 vehicles for nearly 550,000 inhabitantsThis leads to heavy traffic and frequent traffic jams, particularly around the capital Valletta.
With a budget of 25 millionThe program could benefit 1 young peopleThe government's objective is also to encourage the use of public transport and alternative modes of transportin order to make travel smoother and more sustainable across the archipelago.
