Noel Galea Bason, Floriana
The buses are killing us
An interesting phenomenon was observed during the public transport strike: the substantial reduction of polluting exhaust fumes in St Anne Street, Floriana.
The air was definitely more breathable. Undoubtedly, the main polluting culprits are our venerable banger buses and heavy vehicles. These vehicles belong either in a museum or a scrap yard. How on earth can these dinosaurs ever pass their VRT emissions test?
It is safe to assume that these vehicles squeeze through a non-stringent (because of their age) test by using proper diesel fuel for the day only to revert to dubious potions once back on the road. The relevant authorities should seriously investigate what fuels are being used. Spot checks could easily be organised and anyone caught using illegal 'brews' should lose their licence and the vehicle taken off the road immediately and indefinitely.
Harsh proposals, perhaps, but drastic measures are in order because these people are unashamedly putting our health on the line while they fatten their wallets. I had suggested to Floriana council to take the initiative (if only symbolic) and hold the owners of these vehicles personally responsible for the higher health risks the Floriana residents are being subjected to. Remember that practically all buses pass through Floriana 365 days a year.
Transport Minister Austin Gatt should put the necessary reform proposals in the fast lane so that we may be rid of these smoking killers as quickly as possible. The residents of Floriana will be especially grateful.
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DVella
Jul 28th 2008, 12:52
Yes and whilst we're on the subject, it would be VERY enlightening for ADT to release the figures showing how many times action was taken against a public transport vehicle owner after excessive pollution reports were received on the sms number 50611899. Several buses are reported daily but I see no tangible results...! It should be patently obvious to anyone with half a brain that public transport vehicles are by far the worse offenders as far as excessive pollution is concerned. During the strike the air was cleaner than it has been for the last two decades!! Is someone at ADT protecting these people and allowing them to spew tons of foul black smoke and god knows what toxins into our environment and threatening our health with impunity?? What REALLY gets me is that the 'common' people like you and me get booked when their car is found to be emitting excessive fumes whilst these people get away with it time after time . . . . apparently with ADT's blessings!!
E Cachia
Jul 27th 2008, 14:54
Where are the new buses paid out by the present government through subsidies given to the bus owners? Wasn't the government even responsible enough to ensure that the new buses are "environmental-friendly"? 'Sustainable development' and par idejn sodi my foot!!!
O. Sant' Angelo
Jul 27th 2008, 13:04
I see no reason why the old buses should not be gutted and refitted with new more efficient engines and the works. Keep the exterior, which is part of our heritage and huge attraction to tourists and but ditch the shabby interiors and polluting engines.