ADT emissions tests on cars and buses

I refer to the item Smoke Screams in the On The Dot section (June 9).

The ADT carries out random checks on buses and private cars. Vehicles failing the emissions test are fined and are only allowed to drive after they pass another test.

Since 2005, 150,000 reports have been filed by the public with the authority over the SMS Alerts service. Vehicles reported a number of times were called in for a test. In the last 12 months, 1,049 vehicles were called up for testing, out of which 619 were tested at least once while the others did not show up for their test and, therefore, have a restriction allocated against their vehicle road licence. They will not have their yearly licence renewed unless they pass a new test.

Between October 2007 and May 2008, roadside checks were carried out on about 1,400 heavy vehicles. These inspections were carried out to ensure compliance with the Motor Vehicle Regulations, including testing for emission levels. Those that failed the test (633 in total) were fined and required to fix their vehicle and undergo a follow-up test.

In the last 12 months, 63 buses were tested out of which 10 failed the test and were stopped from operating before passing a subsequent test. This data replies to the correspondent's question on whether anything at all is done about emissions.

With reference to remarks on noise pollution, the Malta Transport Authority is not the competent authority in this regard.