Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe sets limit values for a number of air pollutants with the aim of protecting human health and the environment. The Directive calls for Member States to maintain ambient air quality where it is good and improve it in other cases, by means of plans and programs of action. It is transposed into national regulations through the Ambient Air Quality Regulations (S.L. 549.59), which sets limit values for various pollutants, including particulate matter (PM10).
Air quality trends indicate that areas with high traffic volumes and congestion suffer from poorer air quality. Following an assessment of data from the Environment and Resources Authority’s (ERA) monitoring stations for years 2018 and 2023, it was determined that the Msida Air Quality Monitoring Station exceeded the allowed number of exceedances for the daily limit value of particulate matter (PM10). In response, the ERA, in consultation with the Air Quality Plan sub-Committee, set up pursuant to the requirements of S.L. 549.59, prepared an air quality plan. This plan focuses on transport-related measures, while also considering other potential sources.
As per the Air Quality Management Order issued in the Government Gazette on 18 December 2020, the primary goal of the plan is to implement measures in the Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), an area characterised by poorer air quality. This area includes Pietà, Floriana, Msida, Marsa, Ħamrun, Qormi, Luqa, and Paola in the Northern and Southern Harbour Districts.
The plan outlines actions that have already yielded positive results for Malta’s air quality, measures committed to by the Government for imminent implementation, and additional proposed measures designed to further enhance air quality in Malta. The primary focus is on the transport sector, with the proposed additional measures mainly aiming to reduce dependence on private vehicles, promote sustainable mobility, increase awareness, implement infrastructural interventions, and enhance the vehicle technology fleet, among others.
This policy document has been approved in line with Article 51 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549).
Documents
Air Quality Plan for Malta 2025 – Approved Policy
Intent and Objectives – Consultation Brief
Intent and Objectives – Public Submissions and Responses
Draft Policy – Consultation Brief
