The new traffic management plans in Valletta will increase emissions in the capital as vehicles are forced to make a steep uphill climb, according to environmental NGO Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar.

The Valletta council unveiled a quicker route in from St Mark Street, giving vehicles in Old Bakery Street the option to turn right towards the Hastings area or left towards the lower part of the city.

The changes come into effect today, but FAA said that such a sudden steep hill, with no possibility of building up momentum, will cause drivers to rev their vehicles forcefully and expel significant emissions into the surrounding residential area.

A recent World Health Organisation scientific study confirmed that vehicle emission particles contribute not only to asthma and other pulmonary complaints, but also to cancer and deaths from coronary conditions, reducing lung capacity and life expectancy in those who live close to busy roads.

Air pollution caused by vehicles will also cause damage to newly-restored buildings, FAA said.