The vehicle emissions system was dealt a blow in 2008 when it was revealed that thousands of SMSs had not been followed up. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Just 11 vehicles failed emission tests following complaints filed by the public through an SMS reporting system in the first six months of the year.

During the period under review, Transport Malta received 5,734 complaints but the number of cars inspected was a mere 97, of which only 11 were found not to be compliant.

Replying to a parliamentary question by Opposition MP Marthese Portelli, Transport Minister Joe Mizzi clarified that action could only be taken if three SMS reports were filed within a three-month period against the same vehicle.

In addition, a number of complaints were disqualified as they either had important details missing or due to the fact that incorrect information had been submitted.

Once this hurdle is cleared, owners are requested to bring in their cars for an inspection and if they fail, a fine is issued. The process will go on until the vehicle conforms to emission standards.

However, in cases where the owner fails to turn up for an inspection twice in a row, a restriction on the vehicle licence’s renewal is automatically triggered.

Rolled out in 2005 with the aim of encouraging the public to be proactive in keeping vehicle emissions within acceptable levels, the system became quite popular with some 50,000 reports being filed annually.

However, it was dealt a severe blow in 2008 when the Auditor General revealed that some 70,000 complaints had not been followed up. From then onwards the number of complaints dropped.

Last year, 12,529 reports were filed but only 250 inspections were carried out, of which 21 vehicles failed to be compliant.

Complaints about excessive pollution from vehicles can be filed by sending an SMS on 5061 1899, including the vehicle registration number.