Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1529355
9 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 15 NOVEMBER 2024 CULTURE GOZO Minister Clint Camill- eri confirmed that all vehicles on Gozo Channel ferries are required to have their engines turned off during crossings. Camilleri said this following a parliamentary question from Opposition MP Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici, who asked about steps taken in light of the Ombuds- man's findings presented last No- vember. The Ombudsman's investiga- tion stemmed from a complaint in August 2023 by a Rabat, Gozo resident, published by The Times of Malta, who reported that nu- merous drivers were keeping their engines running throughout the journey. This, the complainant noted, exposed passengers and crew members to toxic emissions with- in the confined and poorly venti- lated car deck area. Attempts by Gozo Channel crew to address the issue were re- portedly ignored by some drivers, prompting the Ombudsman to initiate a formal investigation due to the health risks involved. As part of the response, Gozo Channel implemented strict op- erating procedures prohibiting passengers from remaining on the car deck once the ferry de- parts. The company also issued a directive for crew members to in- form passengers of the risks and policy violations associated with staying in their vehicles with en- gines running. An additional measure intro- duced on August 18, 2023, was the deployment of a police of- ficer on board from 8am to 6pm to inspect vehicles and ensure compliance. However, the Om- budsman noted on October 17, 2023, that police officers were not consistently present on the ferries as initially planned. Gozo Chan- nel acknowledged the persistent challenge of vehicles with run- ning engines and found that po- lice presence was among the most effective enforcement methods, especially during warmer months when passengers often keep their engines running for air condi- tioning. Nevertheless, the expense of maintaining a permanent po- lice presence has presented a significant challenge, with Gozo Channel indicating that contin- ued enforcement would require a substantial financial commit- ment. The Ombudsman has since issued seven recommendations to enhance cooperation and ensure sustained progress on this matter. During the parliamentary ses- sion, Minister Camilleri empha- sised that passengers are strictly prohibited from staying in the car deck or in their vehicles during the ferry journey. Gozo Channel enforces engine shutdown on all vehicles during ferry crossings, Gozo Minister confirms NAHSEBFIK 06 NOVEMBER - 10DECEMBER THE GIFT OF LOVE - THE GIFT OF PEACE - THE GIFT OF HAPPINESS. MAY ALL THESE AND MORE BE YOURS THIS CHRISTMAS FOR MORE INFO VISIT: WWW.NAĦSEBFIK.COM Vehicle engines must be turned off and no passengers are allowed on the car deck during ferry crossings