Malta has failed to provide Brussels with information on noise pollution around major roads and the airport, pushing the European Commission to consider legal action.

Member states are obliged to submit what are known as "noise maps" which chart the noise levels near major roads and airports for different times of day and night.

The maps are then used to assess how many people suffer from the health implications of the noise, especially with regard to disturbed sleep.

Besides the maps themselves, the government is expected to draw up an action plans to reduce noise where necessary.

However, the Commission has still not received any of Malta's studies even though the island transposed the directive to its laws.

The Times has learnt that, although Malta was meant to have submitted its noise maps by the end of 2007, the call for tenders for the compilation of this data has still to be published. The Malta Environment and Planning Authority is responsible for this process.

Replying to a parliamentary question by Green MEP Monica Frassoni, Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said the directive relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise was fully transposed by Malta through a government decision in 2004. But no strategic noise map had yet been submitted to the Commission.

According to information the Maltese authorities provided to the Commission, the noise maps are still being prepared.

Mr Dimas warned that the Commission might soon decide to start legal action against Malta on this issue.

"Evaluation of the reports on the noise maps, submitted by member states according to the directive, is ongoing. Following completion of its evaluation, the Commission will consider the appropriate next steps, in line with the treaty, to ensure compliance with Community law," he told Ms Frassoni.