The Malta Transport Authority categorically denies the statement issued by Alternattiva Demokratika in which it alleged that old buses would be exempt from new emissions testing procedures.

Further to the statement issued by the Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications late last week, the Malta Transport Authority confirms that opacity meters will be used during emissions testing on all engines manufactured post-1979.

Until recently, visual emissions inspections/tests were being carried out by the authority on buses manufactured pre-1979. This visual test was also conducted on those pre-1979 buses refitted with later model engines. Following the report issued by the Malta Standards Authority, these older buses will be subject to more rigid testing procedures on the same lines as those being carried out on the newer models.

Additionally, all buses will now be equipped with a rev counter and a pump seal to ensure that engines are not tampered with before undergoing any testing, while supplementary tests will be carried out annually by third parties.

In the coming weeks, the authority will be embarking on an awareness campaign aimed at informing bus drivers of the adverse effects of noxious vehicular fumes.

Daniela Borg Mizzi

Manager

Public Relations

Malta Transport Authority