SMS emission reports: "Apologies not enough" - FAA

The fact that the Malta Transport Authority did not act on SMS emission complains by the people "has betrayed the trust people had in this and similar system," the environment NGO Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) said today.

"Apologies are not enough to limit the damage arising out of this mistake," the NGO said.

"Had this incident not yet been revealed, it still would have been clear that ADT is not giving enough importance to the serious health implications of the avoidable pollution in our streets. The fact that smoke emitted by diesel-driven vehicles is highly toxic is now common knowledge. It has now been scientifically proven beyond doubt that exposure to traffic pollution, especially the fine particulate fraction in diesel exhaust, is responsible for premature death from a number of causes including heart attacks, cancer and lung diseases.

"Malta has one of the highest ever recorded rates of asthma and this is almost certainly due to our pollution. Recent evidence has strengthened the case against 'particulates' which are a major component of pollution from diesel engines. ADT has much to answer for, as long as the unacceptable threat to health is allowed to continue. ADT must now take assertive steps to remedy the situation by decreasing our pollution more effectively," FAA said.

The ADT's failure was revealed in a report by the Auditor General to Parliament two weeks ago. The ADT said the SMS system was suspended pending the introduction of a new system for the processing of SMSs, but the vehicles which were complained of will then be called in for tests.

The FAA in its statement observed that the ADT was claiming that emission testing was still being conducted on all vehicles "including public transport buses, coaches, trucks and other heavy vehicles".

"If this is so, the results are as yet lacking, and the situation has not improved at all. In fact the emission of black smoke by our buses seems to have intensified of late. This is strongly indicative that there is something seriously wrong in the reporting system, or, more likely, that emission testing is being conducted incorrectly, or being rendered useless by vehicle owners who tamper with their engines or adulterate their fuel and then simply put things temporarily right when the vehicle is due for testing."

FAA said it found it difficult to comprehend how police and wardens maintained that it was not their duty to take any corrective action against vehicles which were blatantly polluting the air in front of supposedly vigilant eyes.

The FAA said the time had come to empower wardens and police to enforce the law in respect of polluting vehicles. Vehicles emitting visible smoke should either be taken off the road or sent for an immediate inspection without allowing any chance to readjust their engine and replace adulterated fuel with diesel fuel.

It would be highly appropriate if the Health Department was to take on an active role in reducing traffic induced pollution on the streets, the NGO said.