Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar said yesterday said it fails to understand how Valletta local council can propose a plan that favours motorists, mainly from outside the city, which will have such a potentially negative impact on the health of Valletta’s residents and its architectural heritage.

But, contrary to what has been stated, FAA pointed out that turning right from St Mark’s Street means that cars will go steeply uphill, not downhill as reported.

As from today, vehicles entering Valletta from St Mark Street will have the option of turning right towards Hastings Garden or left towards the lower part of Valletta.

“This was the original traffic plan proposed by Transport Malta some years ago. Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar raised objections at the time, as such a sudden steep hill, with no possibility of building up momentum, will cause drivers to rev up their vehicles to the maximum and expel significant amounts of vehicle exhaust fumes into the surrounding residential area.

“Our submissions were accepted and the alternative route was implemented. Although longer, this option divides the gradient into more manageable sections and is environmentally much more acceptable.”

FAA cites a recent World Health Organisation scientific study that confirmed that vehicle emission particles contribute not only to asthma and other pulmonary complaints but also to cancer and death from coronary conditions, reducing both lung capacity and life expectancy in those who live close to busy roads. The increased incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions has also been attributed in part to exposure to vehicle pollutants.

The organisation added the observation: “Air pollution caused by vehicles is also very damaging to old stone, causing ‘black crust’, a leading factor in stone erosion in Valletta.

“Now that so many buildings in Valletta have been restored at great effort and expense,” it said, “are we to inflict fresh damage capriciously, simply for the convenience of motorists?”