Emissions’ tests on diesel engines will be carried out by local wardens, the Malta Transport Authority said yesterday.

This was announced yesterday by the CEO of the authority, Gianfranco Selvaggi when he presented the chairman of the Local Enforcement System Management Committee, Dr Ian Micallef, with a “smoke meter”.

Mr Selvaggi said the decision to hand over the testing equipment was taken after the overwhelming success of the Emission Alert sms Campaign.

“The Emission Alert sms Campaign was launched last August with the aim of increasing awareness on the negative impact of vehicular emissions. 64,000 sms reports have been received so far.

“The handing-over of the testing equipment to the Local Enforcement System Management Committee is another step forward in our efforts to reduce emissions and to make motorists aware of their responsibility towards the environment and a better quality of life,” Selvaggi said.

He said the test would prove to be a stronger method of enforcement than the Emission Alert sms Campaign because offenders will be fined on the spot.

Dr Ian Micallef thanked the authority for lending the equipment and for providing training for the wardens.

“The role of the local wardens is no longer limited to the issuing of citations and contraventions committed by motorists but is now being stepped up to include aspects like the environment which safeguard the interests and well-being of the community as a whole.

“The exercise is not a money-making one. The exercise is one that will ensure better air quality.”

The tests by the local wardens will, for the time being, be carried out on all diesel engines due to the fact that their level of emissions is much greater than that of petrol engines.

There are however, plans to eventually test petrol engines as well.

The tests will complement the Emission Alert sms campaign and road-side checks that are being carried out by the Malta Transport Authority’s enforcement officers.

If a vehicle is stopped and tested, a copy of the result is printed for the owner of the car. The owner will be able to pay the fine at the local council office or wait until he or she appears in front of the tribunal.

The printed test result will be submitted as proof of the contravention.