A leading dermatologist has called for restrictions on tinted car windows to be eased because they could protect motorists and passengers from the sun's harmful rays.

"I am not saying that completely black windows should be allowed but a degree of tint could offer some needed protection," Lawrence Scerri, the head of Boffa Hospital's dermatology department, said.

He said people with skin problems or who were very sensitive to the sun regularly asked dermatologists for a medical certificate to allow them to use tinted windows. Without a permit, motorists risked getting fined.

Speaking on Melanoma Monday, Dr Scerri said yesterday prevention was essential when it came to the potentially-deadly skin cancer, making tinted windows a good idea. "The authorities should ease restrictions," he said.

Questions sent to Transport Malta, enquiring about the reasons behind the restrictions and whether the authorities considered reviewing them in view of the health benefits were still unanswered at the time of writing.

Some 100 people called at Boffa Hospital to undergo melanoma tests yesterday, with Dr Scerri saying the available slots were booked within record time, in about an hour from when the health authorities announced they would be seeing people by appointment yesterday.

"This was just a symbolic gesture and people should continue being vigilant throughout the year," Dr Scerri said, urging people who were concerned about a mole to see their family doctor, who would, in turn, refer them to the dermatology department if there was anything to worry about. Those particularly worried about their condition would be fast-tracked and seen as soon as possible.

He said that although mel-anoma remained predominant among older people its prevalence was increasing in young people. In fact, nine patients under 30 were diagnosed with melanoma between 1998 and 2007. Cases were being caught early, which meant they could be treated through surgery.

Dr Scerri reiterated the importance of using sunscreen with a high protection factor and the need to keep children and those with a fair skin out of the sun. It is also important to stay out of the sun as much as possible.

Health Minister Joe Cassar said that although the incidence of melanoma in Malta was not alarming, the numbers were on the increase and precautions were necessary. He urged people to stay out of the sun during the hottest hours, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Dr Cassar said precautions should not only be taken at the beach but everywhere, including in the case of people who worked outdoors. Infants under a year should not be exposed to the sun at all.