A. Mallia writes:
We were supposed to apply EU standards in order to get rid of black exhaust fumes emitted from cars, trucks and buses. Why hasn't this been done yet? What are we waiting for?

It is true that we still see black fumes emitted from cars, trucks and buses. Getting stuck in traffic behind a car or, worse still, a bus or a truck, pumping thick black smoke is not an uncommon occurrence. Ultimately what this is all about is our health. And with our health there should be no compromise.

EU law on this issue already applies and we should already have implemented it in Malta.

On January 1 this year VRT testing for roadworthiness became fully applicable in Malta and we should now be in full compliance with EU standards, applying VRT testing on all vehicles, whether cars or other types of vehicles and irrespective of whether they are privately or publicly owned.

EU law sets a common standard on VRT testing, listing the compulsory items that must be tested. Although in Malta we have had VRT for a number of years we have not been testing vehicles for all items as per EU law because during accession negotiations we had obtained more time, until this month, to do so. That time has now lapsed and as of this month we should therefore be in a position to apply EU standards in this area in full. This means we should now test cars for all compulsory items.

Testing for lights, the steering system, the braking system, side cars and vehicle identification should have been carried out over the past years. And from this year we should also test suspension as well as the general condition of the car.

Exhaust emissions should have been tested since January 2002, in other words, for the past three years. Clearly, therefore, an explanation is due as to why, three years down the line, we still regularly see black fumes emitted from cars, trucks and buses. Especially from trucks and buses.

It is clear that the enforcement of standards in VRT testing does not appear to be up to scratch and a lot remains to be done to ensure that VRT testing stations that were granted a licence to test cars for VRT are doing their job well and ensuring that the law is applied fairly but strictly on all.

There is no room for complacency and certainly no room for flexibility with cars that fail the test.

Nor should there be any leniency with VRT stations that are found to be lacking in their job. I may be wrong, but I only heard of one occasion when a VRT station lost or had its licence suspended for failing to live up to standards. This does not inspire sufficient confidence that VRT stations are being adequately monitored by the authorities.

Last month, I wrote to the Public Transport Authority on this issue and I am still awaiting a reply.

I am prepared to take this issue to the European Commission if no sufficient progress is registered at the earliest. Malta risks facing fines unless it applies EU law adequately. Not that I want my country to be fined. I just want our citizens to get the full benefit of EU standards.

I must add, however, that I know the transport authority to be effective and arduous in its work. And I am sure that it is taking this issue seriously. Indeed, last Monday, like other readers of The Times, I was pleased to read that, according to official statistics, every year 4,000 vehicles are taken off the road as a result of failing the VRT test. I read that twice and, yes, it was still 4,000.

So this sounds like a good record and gives hope for the future. And even if the problem is still with us, it is evident that the situation appears to be improving.

Adequate VRT testing leads to safer cars but it also leads to better public health. The public deserves more safety and better health. The Public Transport Authority has a duty towards the public on both counts. It should not fail us.

Readers who would like to raise issues or ask a question to Dr Busuttil are invited to send an e-mail, making reference to this column, to contact@simonbusuttil.com.