SRA worried at extension given to Malta to apply EU air quality norms

Malta’s extension to apply a derogation from EU limits on air pollution for particulate matter is worrying the Sliema Residents Association.

The association said the derogation was originally until January 2010 but this had now been extended until the end of June 2011.

The SRA said Sliema was a Maltese town subject to high air pollution levels that frequently exceeded EU safeguard limits to the detriment of residents’ health and general quality of life.

The air pollution problems of Sliema were a direct consequence of recent over development which encouraged increased vehicular traffic without any mitigation or improved capacity.

Such development was authorised by the same authority which was responsible for air pollution issues in Malta.

“Regrettably despite its air quality monitoring responsibilities, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority continues to ignore these issues and to grant yet further permits for new development.

“MEPA expects other entities, such as the ADT, to address the traffic management and pollution problems that have arisen.”

The SRA said the ADT had indicated that any more development in Sliema could precipitate traffic gridlock and admitted inability to solve the chronic problems caused by poorly co-ordinated and excessive development in the area.

SRA was sceptical of the government’s intent to submit its request for an extension to comply to EU air quality norms, given that this should include a competent air quality improvement plan.

“Such doubts arise from the awareness that the long overdue Sliema holistic traffic management plan, aimed at mitigating air pollution caused by traffic in the locality, is still at the stage of conception or infancy at best.

“The timing of the government’s request appears to be driven by expedience rather than conscience and may indeed be evidence of a deliberate, cynical intention to take the issue to the wire knowing that this will buy the maximum time and benefit for interested parties,” it said.