The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) said that it is today conducting an air quality monitoring and traffic count survey in relation to the Car Free Day.

Data is being collected from Naxxar Road, San Gwann during a 6-hour monitoring period between 09:00 and 15:00. The air quality monitoring survey will gather real time data (every 15 mins) measurements of PM 10 and PM 2.5. Traffic count data is also being gathered from the same station. This will calculate the number of vehicles travelling in both directions at specific times during the 6-hour period. A comprehensive analysis of the collected data will be published by MEPA in mid October 2011.

Four other permanent air monitoring stations that determine the concentration levels of most air pollutants every 15 minutes for the Maltese Islands are also in operation. The stations are located across the Islands in the localities of Msida, Gharb, Zejtun and Paola in accordance with the requirement set out by the EU Directive on Ambient Air Quality & Cleaner Air for Europe.

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