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.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
Petrol price up 6c
In Discussion
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Gozo tunnel could take 5-7 years to...
CABS remote controlled aircraft shot...
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Joseph Calleja condemns portrayal of...
Updated: Labour would give...
CABS drone shot down
Second group of migrants arrives
Adrian Vassallo in scathing...
32 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
M.Bezzina
Jul 13th 2009, 21:51
Apprti li turi nuqqas ta serjeta , hija dahka fil wicc li meta jien irrid nibat sms fuq l emission ghandi nhallas...is serjeta titlob li meta nibghat sms ghandu jkun free of charge u mhux bil hlas!!Jekk veru trid li din is sistema tahdem imma juri bic car kemm f'dan il pajjiz hadd ma jrid jaghmel xejn hlief isahhan is siggu!!
Phil Pryce
Jul 13th 2009, 19:54
The only people that 'deliver' in Malta are the midwives! I sent an SMS to the ADT number in sheer frustration when this news broke. I told them they were a waste of space. I got a reply... yes... 'Thank you for carrying out your civic duty... etc'. I felt better... they look stupid.
P. Montebello
Jul 13th 2009, 19:37
Sir, please allow me a second comment. I believe that the VRT test, for which the ADT is responsible was created around 10 years ago. Meaning, or rather should mean, that ALL VEHICLES, must have undergone at least one test. I ask: Does anyone in Malta believe this i.e. that all vehicles have undergone the test? I bet that sometime, somewhere, someplace, any one of you drivers out there must have wondered how the car in front of you has passed a VRT. This leads me to say that the ADT has failed one of the main reasons for its creation. But, being in Malta, I do not expect the Minister responsible to ask for resignations, and, neither I do expect the Prime Minister to ask his Minister to ask for resignations. And, to go further, nor do I expect the Leader of the Opposition to ask for any resignations.
Michael Porter
Jul 13th 2009, 17:02
Insomma jien mhux se nerga nibghat sms iehor lill-ADT!! Jaghmlu huma! Minghalija kont qed naghmel ghal-ahjar ta l-ambjent u kien kollu ghal-xejn. F'idejkom ADT!
johan micallef
Jul 13th 2009, 16:39
Just a couple of weeks ago I sent an email to adt asking if measures were indeed being taken when sending those smses. I have never been replied to. I have spent money in vain. I hope the authorities do something about it. THIS IS A REAL SHAME. Adt board should be all out by tomorrow.
DVella
Jul 13th 2009, 15:59
The people are angry because they have been deceived . . . SOMEONE MUST PAY!!! How dare ADT make fools of the taxpayers that pay their salaries . . .?(!) . . . and it's no good whining about lack of resources either!!!
P. Montebello
Jul 13th 2009, 15:28
I believe that the ADT takes FIRST PRIZE in being the most INEFFICIENT authority /agency created by the Government. I have written several letters regarding the so called motorised bicycles as far back as 15 months ago, but I haven't seen any answer. More recently, (and that's about 12 months ago) I had written about trailers and, of course, no answers were forthcoming from the ADT.
Dr Gonzi, that is why the people are so fed up with the way you govern. The authorities / agencies that your govenment has created are simply not delivering. Maybe the puppets that your government has put as management, and who are supposed to lead, are afraid to take any decisions. As a neautral observer, I can say that 2 people who really delivered were Louis Grech at Air Malta and Mrs Mizzi at Sea Malta. Is it a coincidence that they were both on the Labour side? I KNOW THAT THERE WILL BE A BARRAGE OF COMMENTS REGARDING THE ABOVE.
Can we have the best people no matter regarding their political affiliations?
Neville Calleja
Jul 13th 2009, 14:02
@All of the comments below.
While I am in no way condoning fuming vehicles, allow me to suggest a good book for reading on the beach:
STASI
The Untold Story of the East German Secret Police.
By John O. Koehler.
Even criminals have civil rights.
B Sant
Jul 13th 2009, 13:46
and just another thing............... i do hope (or dream) that ADT would even apologise for making main roads as single lane ----- since if we overtake some smoke emitting niusance, we would soon find a hiding warden us to punish us for our wrong doing
david calleja
Jul 13th 2009, 13:33
Will we never learn?... these issues don't vote - asthma, VRT, smoking buses.... as long as there is no strong vocal united lobby making the politicians worry about a possible loss of votes.....NOTHING will happen..EVER, EU or no EU...
J Oatmon
Jul 13th 2009, 13:28
The article says "...the vehicles which were complained of will then be called in for tests". -
This is just not acceptable 'calling in vehicles for tests' gives plenty of time for the polluters to do a quick fix, dump adulterated fuel, even swap engines/fuel pumps, injectors etc - then pass the tests, and revert back to making money, and to hell with the public afterwards. The only way is random roadside tests on all vehicles every 6 months, with policemen present and get a certificate, and immediate bans on the polluters vehicles (no excuses accepted).
The polluters fix their vehicles and bring the documents along when applying for a retest.
It is a simple idea - unannounced roadside tests, and if a vehicle is polluting, it is given a one time waiver and permitted only to travel to the garage to get fixed. The owner (after the vehicle is properly fixed), then must have a re-test at the nearest roadside test station, in order to get approval to use the vehicle on the roads. In this way the longer the vehicle owner delays in getting the vehicle fixed properly the more revenue he loses.
R.Gauci
Jul 13th 2009, 12:47
So next time I will make any kind of traffic offence I will just apologise for it and I should pay no fine right??!!!
With this case the ADT had lost all of its credibility if there was some left to it!!
Heads have to roll Dr. Minister Gatt , like that you will really show us that you are not afraid to take decisions and that GonziPn has 'Par Idejn Sodi' or else Konna u ghadna nghixu f'pajjiz tal-Mickey Mouse!!
Adrian Borg cardona
Jul 13th 2009, 12:46
Why is everything we do in this country always a farce? So the system of sending reports by the public was just another one of those schemes that sound so good but are actually just a lot of propoganda. Like the CVR scheme of Valleta - they have given 22,000 exemptions (Valetta has only 6000 residents) - no wonder there is never any parking! Who are these privilged persons? Like the order not to use Old Theatre Street, Valletta because of ongoing works. Every day I see cars being allowed to drive up it and parking on St. George's Square! Can't the powers that be do anything honestly and correctly in this country?
M Mealclaff
Jul 13th 2009, 12:44
I see so much black smoke from Vehicles in Malta, not only form Old buses etc but also from Newer 4 x 4 and newish cars.
Could it be that there is nothing wrong with the Vehicles at all.
Could the problem be due to Inferior Diesel being sold in Malta ?
Has any one looked into this ?
I'm sure as with most products..there is usually First Class and second Class choice.
Eg : When the Vegetable Sellers go to market they have a choice whether to by the best or the ' Not so Good'
Perhaps Fuel is sold along the same lines ????
charmaine mangion
Jul 13th 2009, 12:21
can i ask how much is an sms when sent to the ADT? are the people who sent the sms and were ignored going to get a refund? I think everyone knows the answer!!!
Joseph Chetcuti
Jul 13th 2009, 12:16
Apart from comments passed, what about the " noise pollution' being caused by cars without silencers or screecing tyres. Do the police and wardens not stop these 'culprits, who speed along the main roads and even increase speed when driving up an incline?
T Aquilina
Jul 13th 2009, 11:48
While I agree this is a total disgrace and ADT should answer for it, I cannot help thinking that this problem cannot be solved unless the buses, some of which are the worst culprits, are tackled first. How can one fine a private car and close a blind eye to the buses? Then again, ADT should not have promised anything they did not intend to remedy as it will only backfire. However, it is unacceptable that such a serious problem is not given the attention it deserves.
Aaron Falzon
Jul 13th 2009, 11:46
The ADT is a complete joke!!!!
Joseph E Briffa
Jul 13th 2009, 11:37
I am afraid ADT is not delivering...There is something terribly wrong in the way they are going about things. Someone must be held responsible..if I were the Minister I would ask the Board members to resign en bloc and review the composition of the Board. .We cannot continue like this anymore.There must be the political will to do something. These emissions from heavy vehicles must stop. Anybody caught and reported should face a fine of at least Eur1 000 for the first offence, Eur2 000 the seocnd time and so on. The testing is a joke...drivers will tamper with the engine, change their fuel and ensure their vehicle passes the test..they are not the mugs we take them for. Early action is required.
C Anastasi
Jul 13th 2009, 11:27
If this was abroad someone would have resigned.
The problem here is that people only see colours come election time, instead of punishing this lack of accountability. We have come far as a country but we are going nowhere now. EU or no EU not much has changed when it comes to government.
What a pity ...Ive lost hope on this small over built island.
P Debono
Jul 13th 2009, 11:21
ADT, MTA, Health Department, etc... You should all be held accountable and shamed publicly. While there are people suffering because of this irresponsibility, you aren't even capable of keeping a simple SMS system running.
I never thought there would come a time when I'd have lost all hope in this country, but such a moment is fast approaching.
Sean F A
Jul 13th 2009, 11:17
We are a lazy nation. For changes to take place, we need constructive examples from authorities. We adopt the "I don't care attitude" whick sickens me. The only way things WILL change is if there is constant pressure on the ADT. The sad thing is that something like this will be quickly forgotten.
David Borg
Jul 13th 2009, 11:06
Please will someone resign or will the minister please to sack someone. Or maybe the Minister should resign?
Actually just face it, the Minister values votes over our health so no one is going to do anything....
savior cordina
Jul 13th 2009, 11:03
I have a dream....one day to arrive home without having to drive behind buses or other derelict cars emitting smoke.
Carmel J Farrugia
Jul 13th 2009, 11:01
ADT should refund the cost of the SMSs sent by good willed citizens who have over the years decided to be civic and help out in this well meaning endevour. The problem is that after this debale heads at ADT should roll. This is the probflem here in Malta. Heads never roll and live another day to cause further and graver problems. Asking people, at their own cost, to help out in this manner and knowingly not doing anything about all the SMSs received has only ruined whatever sembiance of faith left in the ADT by civic citizens. If heads do not roll, this system is dead and burried forever.
paul sciberras
Jul 13th 2009, 10:56
So now is ADT going to compensate those who by doing the job who was suppose to be done by the Wardens and the Police who don t seem to have the guts to do ,spending their money on SMS s which wher not honored. Why the Police Force and The Traffic Wardens have a brake from giving parking tickets or driving license not displayed, and once a Month concentrate on smoking vehicles only.I am only dreaming.I also have a dream of bringing say 10 traffic Policemen from say Germany for a month and concentrate only on smoking vehicles.
B Sant
Jul 13th 2009, 10:55
this is just the tipof the iceberg....we have grown up in a legacy with lots of authorities but no one enforces anything..... we modelled our system similar to EU's requeust but without any real concern of administering- votes are too expensive to punish the guilty
James Green
Jul 13th 2009, 10:53
We pay taxes so that we may sustain the ADT which in turn assumes its raison d'être is to collect even more taxes.
And adieu safety since this involves expenditure.
Time for the ADT itself to undergo a VRT?
Chris Finch
Jul 13th 2009, 10:37
Until the ADT administration is removed and a complete change of policy adopted, they might as well scrap the sms system. I doubt if anyone will waste their time and money reporting vehicles now we know these are ignored.
But, as usual no-one loses their jobs in this government's administration, no matter how incompetent or how much they take people for a ride.
In serious countries, even the merest whiff of scandal is enough for ministers to do the decent thing and step down, but in Malta.....?
B Sant
Jul 13th 2009, 10:30
now if i overspeed and get summoned and i ask for apology - that would be enough right?
Dennis Debono
Jul 13th 2009, 10:26
As usual, people are taken for a ride.....this is the appreciation the public gets from the government/ADT.
From the beginning I would have expected that the SMS would have been FREE, to put fuel to the fire ADT is now IGNORING these SMSs
I think this government is trying its best not to be re-elected.
john micallef
Jul 13th 2009, 10:22
apart from this, is the adt also responsible for the safety of the roads? if yes, why are there still streets / roads without armco barriers? last week, two persons died because of the lack of safety on our roads, apart from them being littered with pot holes.
all the adt is doing is imposing vehicles for the bi annual vrt (tax) and not looking at other serious threats which the motorists face daily.