Police have begun carrying out roadside drug tests on drivers following recent legal amendments, with four motorists testing positive in the first days of enforcement, including three involved in traffic collisions.
In a statement, the police said that the testing forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen road safety across Malta and Gozo.
In the initial days since the introduction of the new measures, three drivers involved in collisions tested positive for drug use.
A fourth driver was also found to be under the influence during routine traffic checks, it said.
The latter case was among 70 vehicles stopped during inspections carried out last Sunday along the Coast Road in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq.
During these checks, officers issued 32 contraventions for various traffic violations, while 11 drivers were caught exceeding the speed limit.
The police said such inspections are being conducted regularly and at all times of the day, and will continue in the coming days and weeks.
In the beginning of March, Parliament unanimously approved legal amendments that now allow the police to carry out random roadside drug testing without reasonable suspicion or a Court order.
