How many times have you been left gasping for air and cursing the driver in front of you as his vehicle belches out thick black smoke?
From today, you can assume the role of an enforcement officer by sending a text message with the registration number of the vehicle spewing the offending exhaust - and let the driver face the music.
The Emission Alert SMS 4 Clean Air campaign was launched during a news conference by the Malta Transport Authority yesterday. It might need some fine-tuning but it is a firm step towards reducing the notorious emissions on the roads.
The procedure is straightforward. Whenever you see a vehicle emitting smoke and you believe it is over the established limit just send a text message (SMS) with the registration number to 5061 1899. Each message costs two cents.
ADT chairman Gianfranco Selvagi explained that the vehicle in question would be called in for an inspection and an emission test carried out. If it fails the test, a citation of Lm20 will be issued.
The owner must address the problem and fix the vehicle within one week and take it back for subsequent emission tests. Further failures will result in licence restriction and citations.
False SMS reports would not be tolerated and will be investigated at once, Mr Selvagi assured those present. No details were, however, given as to what pranksters will get for the inconvenience caused.
All vehicles, whether private or commercial, will be subject to the scrutiny. The old buses, several of which are renowned for their unhealthy emissions, may also be reported. However, ADT officials explained that the law states that vehicles built prior to 1979 would be initially subject to a "visual test" before they are taken for the actual emission tests.
The government has already tried to minimize the problem by introducing Vehicle Roadworthiness Tests, creating an enforcement section within the ADT and intensified vehicle roadside checks.
But Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett admitted that certain VRT stations were not up to scratch, and the mere fact that certain vehicles were still travelling in a cloud of smoke meant they were turning a blind eye to certain requirements.
Confirming that two VRT stations have so far been de-licensed because of shortcomings, Mr Mugliett said he was prepared to change the legal notice in question to ensure that all VRT garages come in line.
The minister said the government was looking at the possibility of making it easier to import hybrid cars, which operate on alternative fuel. Mr Mugliett did not agree, when asked, that it was contradictory that the government was taking such an initiative when the St Luke's Hospital chimney was still belching smoke. The government, he said, was doing its utmost to bring the hospital chimney up to scratch and reminded those present that the new hospital would not have such problems.
Emissions are caused by a number of factors - from too much oil in the combustion chamber to overloaded vehicles to the use of diluted fuel. The health risks association with engine emissions are many, ranging from cancer to aggravated respiratory illnesses.