Over 600 SMS alerts on vehicle exhaust

The clouds of vehicle exhaust that pollute the streets could well thin out one day if text message alerts continue to pour in at the current rate.

In just three days, 639 reports of emissions have been logged with the Malta Transport Authority under its new Emission Alert SMS 4 Clean Air campaign, MTA chairman Gianfranco Selvaggi told The Times.

Starting next week, these vehicles will have to undergo tests to establish whether their emissions are within limits.

Motorists and commuters are being urged to assume the role of enforcement officers by sending a text message to 5061 1899 with the registration number of the vehicle belching out the offending smoke.

The procedure to lodge a report is simple. Whenever you see a vehicle emitting exhaust fumes that you believe are over the established limit just send an SMS with the registration number. The vehicle will 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.

Mr Selvaggi said the authority will adopt a zero tolerance attitude to pranksters solely interested in causing inconvenience.

"The response we've had so far shows that many people care about bettering the environment they live in," he said.

Vehicle pollution has been directly linked to increased levels of asthma in children and other bronchial diseases.

Last Tuesday, Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett admitted the limitations of Vehicle Roadworthiness Tests, as several cars were seemingly slipping through the supposedly rigid net and continuing to emit polluting fumes.

Mr Selvaggi assured motorists that ADT inspectors were trained enough to expose any last-minute adjustments to the vehicle engine to avoid any sanctions.