Malta Offers ₦29,000 Incentive to Drivers to Quit Roads for Five Years
In a bold move to tackle worsening traffic congestion, Malta has introduced a scheme offering motorists up to $29,000 (about €25,000) to give up driving for five years.
The initiative, known as the Driving License Surrender Scheme, is designed to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and encourage greater use of alternative transport options. Authorities say the country has one of the highest vehicle densities in Europe, making traffic congestion a persistent challenge.
Under the programme, eligible participants will voluntarily surrender their driver’s licences and receive the payment in instalments over the five-year period. However, anyone who opts out before the agreed timeframe will be required to refund part of the money.
The scheme mainly targets younger drivers, particularly those aged 30 and below, in a bid to reshape long-term transportation habits before car dependency becomes deeply rooted.
To qualify, applicants must have held a valid driver’s licence for at least a year and must not have had their licence previously suspended or revoked. Authorities have also capped the number of beneficiaries annually, indicating a controlled rollout of the programme.
Officials say the broader goal is to cut traffic congestion, lower pollution levels, and promote more sustainable urban mobility.
