ADT to resume testing vehicles reported by SMS - Minister was unaware tests had stopped

Ludwig Flask

Jul 16th 2009, 21:03

"This will mean that within eight weeks all cars reported under the SMS alert system which fall under the criteria established when the scheme was launched, will be tested for emissions," the authority said...

CARS? Don't waste us time or money - TEST public transport buses, contractors' trucks and other heavy vehicles!

"It insisted that during the past several months, testing for vehicle emissions was never stopped or even slowed down..." - you're joking, yes?

Joseph Ellis

Jul 16th 2009, 00:22

Interesting statement by the minister who just after the election handpicked an executive chairman for ADT though a ceo was already in office. I wonder how ADT - and which official at the end of the day - is going to assume responsability for such a serious error of judgment.

It is also astounding how a ministerial directive overcomes in a matter of few days the "technical" difficulties that has grounded the system for ten months ! It seems that in Malta executive chairmen, ceo's, directors, managers and the whole paraphenalia can only deliver at their master's voice.

S. Camilleri

Jul 15th 2009, 11:18

Lest I be misunderstood.... Apologies accepted yes... but who is shouldering responsabilities? Where is the 'accountability' that the Minister is so fond of quoting. We do not need another MEPA!!

S. Camilleri

Jul 15th 2009, 10:17

Apologies accepted..Now get on with the job please!

N.Cortis

Jul 15th 2009, 10:11

why not replace all the chairmans and all members of these boards say every 5 years!!!! and be sure that only serious and truly honest and responsable people will be given such important positions??????

T. Camilleri

Jul 15th 2009, 09:33

This is outright cheating on the part of ADT - had it not been for the press and the the General Auditor, the public would not have become aware that their efforts to do something about pollution were being undermined by that same authority that was bound to carry out vehicles testing - just being ignored by bureaucrats who don't give a damn about the general public . HEADS MUST ROLL as confidence in public authorities' accountability would otherwise be eroded for good. No amount of public apology is enough for their misdemenour. ADT's behaviour is unpardonable. The Minister responsible should just kick out of their comfortable offices those responsible for such a disgraceful act.

P.Cassar

Jul 15th 2009, 09:33

If the Minister said that he did not know he has proved himself guilty for many reasons espeially for putting in a CEO who is unreliable. For John Citizen the Courts simply say ignorance of the law is no excuse and carry on with the fine, for the minister the way out is to resign. Hard but that is what happens to John Citizen as long as there is no one further up who defends the Minister!!!!

John Said

Jul 15th 2009, 09:24

Does anyone know the number to which we can send this SMS?

Is the service anonymous?

T Abela

Jul 15th 2009, 08:56

180 tests a week - WHAT ARE THE EXHAUST TRESHOLDS?. Can someone from ADT publish these tresholds? It is useless to test 180 vehicles a week and have almost all vehicles pass the test.

Johanna Spiteri

Jul 15th 2009, 08:37

As per usual. They are never aware of anything. They are unaware of bribes for driving licences, they do not want to be aware of public transport problems and when one rings up customer care to give constuctive criticism the 'girl' at the other end of the phone is plainly not interested and now this. They say they slipped up in not adviseing the public however the "thankyou for yr report" was still sent to you. As long as the icing on the cake looks smooth underneath organisation and malta can be a nutty fruit cake !!!!

D.Mamo

Jul 15th 2009, 08:12

I wonder if the buses will ever be checked. A year ago or so the BUS drivers had a National strike. The goverment promised to end this abuse!!!
Did he or did he not?
Everybody can see for himself/herself!!

silvan camilleri

Jul 15th 2009, 08:10

i doubt that this testing includes buses, the most that produce ecxessive fumes. you see them infront of you sarrounded by a black cloud of pollution and when you pass beside them
you can hardly breath. If ADT takes into consideration this situation i am sure that we'll have a cleaner environment and will absolutely be an improvement in our transport system.

Emanuel Scicluna

Jul 15th 2009, 07:20

ADT!!! lol!! The joke of the year. Shame on you guys...

Brian Ferrante

Jul 15th 2009, 06:46

Fail.

D Vella

Jul 15th 2009, 05:41

Will buses will be amongst vehicles being tested?. Will this be without warning?. Unless they are tested without being warned beforehand this will just be another futile exercise and a waste of time,money and energy.

Results are needed and we expect to see a high percentage of prosecutions. We also expect these tests to be ongoing and not just for the short term.

N.Azzopardi

Jul 15th 2009, 02:36

What is the SMS number ??????????????

David Borg

Jul 15th 2009, 00:19

The problem with all you people is that despite your very justified rants and raves you will still vote for the same useless politicians to administer the country based on the preordained voting habits of your family.
I know it's not like there is much choice but if a few thousand people could start to vote intelligently based on performance and not like herds of sheep then things might change. Gonzi or Muscat, who cares? If the electorate doesn't think before they vote it'll make no difference and the ADT and other govt institutions will still be run by unaccountable civil servants because the politicians will know that you'll vote for them anyway.
If the idea of voting for the 'other side' is just too abhorent just don't vote and don't give your vote to someone who hasn't earned it, who you don't respect and who you know couldn't care less about you, your concerns or the good of Malta.

N. Gerada

Jul 15th 2009, 00:16

Now it's too late, ADT to make amendments for the gross mistake.

Ronnie Gauci

Jul 14th 2009, 23:35

It would be nice to keep us updated, including number plates of tested cars, about the process. About time!!

m azzopardi

Jul 14th 2009, 23:35

at least it is a step forward. For the ADT to be effecective, all those cars especially buses emitting cancerous smoke will have to be removed from the streets

P. Montebello

Jul 14th 2009, 23:25

Do we believe the Auditor General or the ADT? Sir, why don't you put up an online poll and we shall see the results? I, for one, will definitely go for the Auditor. No amount of apologies will return the trust in the ADT as is formed at present, by the same people, who have taken us for a ride. Dr Gonzi, once again I ask you to ask for heads, BUT PLEASE NO MORE FAKE RESIGNATIONS. We have had enough.

martha calleja

Jul 14th 2009, 22:51

you are not to be trusted anymore, i expect a refund to all the sms i sent since. SHAME ON YOU ADT!

stephen vella

Jul 14th 2009, 22:33

While at it ADT should also check for excessive noise emissions, many cars have been modifed just for this purpose.

Marie Galea

Jul 14th 2009, 22:30

Please, may I have the number where I can ring ADT? I seem to come across all the perpetrators but I always thought it was a waste of time. Could anyone let me have the number to ring please? Thanks.

charles zammit

Jul 14th 2009, 22:29

elections are over now mabyhe we will be able to breath some fresh air

L.Vella

Jul 14th 2009, 22:28

Is the test being made without any notification to the vehicles' owners concerned? If not owners would not hesitate to adjust any irregularities until receiving the notice! And what about the pollution problem? This used to happen before!

Paul Barrett

Jul 14th 2009, 22:16

It was previously reported that some vehicles do not turn up for testing when called forward by ADT.
These vehicles should be hunted down by the Police and impounded, not let loose to carry on polluting the air until the next licence period.

Keith Zammit

Jul 14th 2009, 22:05

I find ADT a true joke. First they hubly depend on the public to report back to their ofices via sms on any unlawful emissions; the public obliged, including myself, at our expense. And now, months later, the trust we thought we could count upon has been thrown back in our face. Even worse, they expect us to give them another chance. Once bitten...my friend (foe in this case) twice shy. ADT has failed miserably. Shame on them.

Charles Micalllef

Jul 14th 2009, 21:51

The question ADT have to ask themselves is, will the public be now interested to report vehicles emitting excessive fumes, will they ever trust ADT in it's present format ever again?

Their statement "We do reiterate our apology, however, for not having advised the public in the appropriate time for suspending temporarily the use of information provided by the public over SMS to assist us in our investigations." is far too little and far too late,

The Minister concerned should know the public has now lost faith in this mickey mouse outfit !

Mary Ann Borg

Jul 14th 2009, 21:36

I think ADT is even worse than MEPA. Today I observed a policeman and an ADT man below the bridge at Qormi, as vehicles come down either from Hamrun or go round the roundabout having just got off the Mriehel bypass. What were they doing there? I guess they were there because there's shade there, and nothing else! Had they moved not more than 30 steps across the roundabout and observed the cars, but especially trucks, going up towards the bridge from Qormi to join the Mriehel bypass, they would have been in the perfect position to visually gauge the emissions from vehicles. But that would have entailed the two gentlemen to stand in the sun and get an instant asthma attack with all the fumes coming off vehicles as they exert more power to go up that stretch! Pathetic and sad. ADT has thought me never to join in such in such 'schemes' because they are nothing but one big shame. Not wearing a seat-belt is risking own life, but spewing fumes all along is a health-hazard for all and ADT should get it's priorities right. But why do I continue to hope against all hope?

Galea. L

Jul 14th 2009, 21:33

The classical example of the right hand not knowing what the left one does.
No wonder it is also known as the Awtorita' tad-Duhhan u t-Tahwid.

Jimmy Magro

Jul 14th 2009, 21:29

Had this happened in an environment of transparency and accountability, the CEO of the Malta Transport Authority wouldhave resigned by his free will.

Although Malta enjoins a very rich culture, it still lacks an inclusion of the accountability/resifnation culture. The current administration does not encourage the breeding/development of such important culture of a democracy.

Hence the citizen remains respected as a citizen in a failed country where power is restricted to less than one per cent of the voting population.

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2009/06/22/the_2009_failed_states_index

Daniel Mebrahatu

Jul 14th 2009, 21:25

Car exhausts contain a range of toxic substances that can have a serious impact on health.
Once released into the air, these substances are breathed in and transported in the bloodstream to all the body's major organs.

Potentially dangerous vehicle emissions include:

Carbon monoxide
Nitrogen dioxide
Sulphur dioxide
Benzene
Formaldehyde
Polycyclic hydrocarbons
Lead
Tiny suspended particles
The most obvious health impact of car emissions is on the respiratory system.

It is estimated that air pollution - of which vehicle emissions are the major contributor - is responsible for 24,000 premature deaths in the UK every year.

martin portelli

Jul 14th 2009, 21:15

Oh go take a hike . I think this epitomises the political will for enforcement. It's not apologies that are due but resignations.
Silly me it is Malta we are speaking of and accountability here is as elusive as the starship Enterprise!. What is it about us Maltese that makes us accept deception, mediocrity and incompetence as the norm ? A magic wand anyone?

Steven Bonello

Jul 14th 2009, 21:01

Move over MEPA - you have serious competition here....

Moira Heath

Jul 14th 2009, 21:00

I will only send another sms when I stop seeing buses polluting. If ADT are to be believed (huh), in a couple of weeks, a good number of buses will either be off the road or somehow will magically not belch black smoke any more. When this happens, I will start reporting any vehicles emitting more than what I consider a reasonable amount of fumes (my acceptable threshold is quite low).

J Grima

Jul 14th 2009, 20:42

ADT is possibly the one department which challenges MEPA when it comes to that arrogant attitude which dominates bureaucratic departments. The sms problem is just the tip of the iceberg. Someone should seriously check the lengths they make one go to get a driving license. It's a ridiculously clear abuse of that little insignificant power they are given.

Andrew Cachia

Jul 14th 2009, 20:37

will testing also include drivers who

1) swear loudly at others and are covered in tatoos
2) road ragers
3) monkeys
4) men at work
5) thugs

thanks

T Mifsud

Jul 14th 2009, 20:37

Is ADT checking the reported buses, the ones that pollute most?

An answer from an official would be greatly appreciated

Guy Mahoney

Jul 14th 2009, 20:35

It would indeed be interesting to know how many (if at all) emission infringements have been reported by Traffic Wardens?

If ADT has such a large backlog for emission tests then why dont they rope in more assistance from Traffic Wardens to help them identify vehicles emitting noxious fumes?

An apology from the ADT for failing to carry out tests for such a long period will do no good to the damage done to the environment (and our lungs). If we drivers fail to carry out our VRT we dont get our licence renewed. Why do such arrangements only apply to mere mortals?

Is ADT unaccountable?

Johann Gatt

Jul 14th 2009, 20:34

The Auditor-General last week revealed that the ADT had this year not tested any vehicles reported for excessive emissions by the public using the SMS !! ADT insisted that during the past several months, testing for vehicle emissions was never stopped or even slowed down.
Need I say more? Thanks but no thanks ADT.

c.t. busuttil

Jul 14th 2009, 20:32

We look forward to a cleaner and quieter environment so applause goes to any improvement in the current system. The public have cooperated to the full which is a clear sign that we do not tolerate the present situation. It is now up to the ADT to live up to our expectations.

Ludwig Flask

Jul 14th 2009, 20:30

@ public: Hei we don't need to spend money smsing!
@ ADT: test all vehicles older than 10 years, and that's it. By the way these have passed the VRT keep cool in your offices, no need to spend further TAX payers money!
@ idiot: Oh seems there are some categories whom don't need to be tested for emmission so why bother?
@ all: remember last transport strike, was the air cleaner? Yesss it wassss :)

Carmel J Farrugia

Jul 14th 2009, 20:25

Too late. Lost all faith in ADT. Never again have faith in something similar if some aDT heads don't roll. These people can get away with murder. Even cancelled the number from my contacts.

Oliver Mallia

Jul 14th 2009, 20:12

Will public transport be included?

D. Scerri

Jul 14th 2009, 19:56

Including the buses? I doubt it.

johan micallef

Jul 14th 2009, 19:54

Obviously no actions were taken by government against the board of adt..Prosit tassew. Today I tried calling water services for an emergency. I tried several times and no one replied. This is what public would like to be changed. This is what the current government should worry about.

I M Dingli

Jul 14th 2009, 19:51

'It insisted that during the past several months, testing for vehicle emissions was never stopped or even slowed down'.......... talk about U-Turns!!!

Anthony Debono

Jul 14th 2009, 19:47

I stand to be corrected, but who is excluded from this system? Let me think...Ah yes:
a) buses & coaches;
b) government vehicles;
c) mini buses & taxis;
d) the occasional (old) bangers;
e) the occasional motorcycle (with wrong mixture);
f) heavy commercial vehicles (from trucks to cranes).
All these have something in common - clouds of smoke billowing from their exhaust pipes.

And what about noise pollution? How do these vehicles, including customised cars with performance exhausts, pass the VRT? Oh yes, they have a removable silencer with the legal one sitting pretty inside the boot or at home, only to be used in special events - VRT !!

Come on authorities, wake up.