Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544145
4 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 1 APRIL 2026 NEWS Four drivers test positive after new roadside testing law comes into force FOUR drivers have tested positive for drug use in the first days of roadside testing introduced by police follow- ing recent legal amendments approved by parliament. In recent days, police began carrying out drug tests on drivers as part of ongoing ef- forts to strengthen road safe- ty across Malta and Gozo. During the initial phase, three drivers involved in collisions tested positive for drugs. In addition, a fourth driver was found to be pos- itive during routine checks. The driver was among 70 motorists stopped on Sun- day along Triq Tul il-Kosta in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq. Dur- ing the same inspections, officers issued 32 contra- ventions for various traffic violations, while 11 vehicles were caught exceeding the speed limit. Police said the checks are being conducted regular- ly at different times of the day and will continue in the coming days and weeks. KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt Malta celebrates 47 years ago, the last British forces left the island for good, and Malta 47 years ago, the last British forces left the island for good, and Malta yesterday celebrated one of its five national holidays with a string of official activities in Birgu, while the traditional regatta was suspended halfway through due to bad weather. The regatta, which had been scheduled to be held at 10am in the Grand Harbour, got under- way but was called off midway as a result of worsening weather conditions. It had been expect- ed that a huge crowd of spec- tators and supporters would converge along the waterfront and the surrounding bastions to watch the races. Over 200 oarsmen represent- ing seven localities, Birżebbuġa, Cospicua, Kalkara, Marsa, Mar- samxett, Senglea and Vittorio- sa, had been set to compete in the event. The teams had begun participating in the scheduled 10 races under two different categories using traditional Maltese boats such as the 'fre- jgatini', 'kajjikki' and 'dgħajjes tal-pass and tal-midalji', before the event was halted. The re- gatta will now take place at a later date. For many, 31 March is just another public holiday; how- ever, the feast is celebrated on the anniversary of the definite withdrawal of British troops and the Royal Navy from Malta in 1979. After taking power in 1971, the Labour government led by Dom Mintoff opened nego- tiations with the British gov- ernment to amend the lease agreement. In 1972, after nine months of negotiations with Britain, Mintoff signed an agreement extending for an- other seven years Britain's right to use Malta as a naval base. Mintoff did not get the $72 mil- lion in annual rent he originally demanded, but he did secure $36.4 million, about three times what Malta had received before he started setting deadlines for British withdrawal. On 31 March 1979, the last British forces left Malta, which Dom Mintoff and Gorg Agius with torches in their hands trying to light up the urn in Birgu on Soliders march in Freedom Day parade (Photo: DOI) Ornis Committee votes in favour of opening spring hunting season The Ornis Committee has voted in favour of recom- mending the opening of the spring hunting season for quail between 13 April and 3 May 2026. The committee also pro- posed the hunting season for turtle dove should run from 20 April to 3 May 2026, with both dates included. In terms of national catch limits, the committee recom- mended that these remain un- changed from 2025 levels, set at 1,500 turtle doves and 2,400 quail. Additionally, the committee put forward a proposal for the application of a further dero- gation. This would allow the trapping of turtle dove between 20 April and 3 May 2026 under strictly regulated conditions. The trapping would be car- ried out using traditional nets as part of a scientific research project led by citizen scientists.