The 2007 state of the environment indicators just published show a reasonable decline in sulphur dioxide emissions found in the air. Not so could be said for nitrogen oxides and benzene levels which, although below the EU limit, are progressively trending upwards.

The most significant source of emissions increase is undoubtedly due to the transport sector in general, and mostly attributed to private vehicle ownership which currently stands at 1.52 persons per licenced vehicle that travels on our roads. Many of these do not use lead-free petrol and are none other than a health threat to society.

Little progress has been made towards reducing our emissions and in spite of mandatory VRT certification the problem remains. A recent NSO report disclosed that carbon dioxide emissions from private passenger cars alone were estimated to be in the region of 240,000 tonnes.

Seeking a quick solution to the problem, such as importing less polluting and more energy efficient cars, is still distantly far out in the horizon. The root of the problem lies deep within our very driving habits which do not augur well for a cleaner environment.

Young drivers in particular are seemingly ignorant of the fact that excessive speeding increases the amount of workload on their engine and in turn produce higher emissions.

If all drivers in Malta followed consciously a set of driving standards our national emissions could be reduced by as much as five per cent, while saving the country millions of euros in fuel imports. Energy saving measures that vehicle owners should start putting into practice are:

1. Ensure correct tyre pressure according to makers’ instructions to

reduce unnecessary frictional drag. Under inflated tyres create more drag on one’s car when in motion, meaning that the engine has to work harder, wasting unnecessarily more fuel and in the process produce more emissions.

2. Refrain from driving around unnecessarily loaded with heavy

items. This is noticeable particularly with van owners who clutter the vehicle with heavy objects and drive about day in and day out without realising that the lesser weight the vehicle carries the easier it is for the engine and therefore less fuel it has to consume.

3. Driving at an appropriate speed reduces emissions and saves money on fuel costs. Statistics show that at 112 kmh (70 mph) one could be using up to nine per cent more fuel than at 96 kmh (60 mph) and up to 15 per cent more fuel than at 80km/h (50mph). Avoid congestion hours to avoid consuming more fuel and therefore produce less emissions. Leave home for work 15 minutes earlier could make all the difference in fuel saving.

4. Over revving accelerates emissions, wastes fuel and increases engine wear. An idling engine also wastes fuel. When stuck in traffic or waiting for someone for more than three minutes, or simply chatting with another motorist, simply switch off the engine. Check regularly engine performance. Advocating the use of public transport is to many a non-starter for a good number of reasons. Most buses are obsolete and not even worth keeping as a vintage piece. The long expected replacement programme that has been on for more than a decade has come to a screeching halt a long time ago.

The situation is in dire need of strategic review which comprehensively considers aspects like travelling trends and modes, emission levels in tandem with the Kyoto objectives, routes and frequency, bus or vehicle size and method of traction. We need to, where applicable, create

further synergy between the private sector and public transport to invest in other park and ride projects. The government should seek to create opportunities to attract greater private sector participation in the creation of transportation projects. We must look deeper into alternative mass transport systems that are more efficient, less polluting, faster and cheaper to run such as mono railing.

A national strategic direction must be sought to provide a modern transport network based on a sound framework for government, the private sector, and most importantly the consumer, to take the necessary steps to make today’s transport problems a thing of the past. The objectives of the initiative shall not be limited to reduce traffic congestion, but also to provide an efficient, less polluting transport system.

Roderick Galdes is MLP spokesman for Planning