Media Release

Emission testing cars an effective first step

The Motor Trade Association (MTA) says a recent study by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) into air pollution overlooks at least one simple step that could be taken to reduce the level of contaminant in the air.

MTA considers that the introduction of emission testing for all vehicles in the New Zealand fleet would be an effective step in reducing the levels of air pollution. Information issued by the NZTA in October shows that at least three sites around the country are regularly experiencing levels of air pollution which exceed the World Health Organisation’s guidelines for the amount of nitrogen dioxide.

MTA spokesman Ian Stronach said “New Zealand pins a lot on its clean and natural environment, so it seems inconsistent that we would not consider this one step that would bring us up to speed with other developed markets. Besides, it’s another way we can prove to our trading partners that we are taking positive steps to improve our environmental performance and reduce greenhouse gases.”

Not having an emissions testing programme is also contrary to the evidence from a number of public health studies, including those issued by government, that show clear benefits from the reduction in air pollution. A more targeted approach would help identify those vehicles likely to be gross polluters and importantly help to reduce nitrous dioxide and particulates that affect human health.

All new vehicles entering the market have to meet an emissions standard and used import vehicles now undergo an emissions check on entry into the country. While that on its own plays a small part in reducing pollution levels, the balance of the fleet, remains unchecked, which is where the largest opportunity lies.

The New Zealand light vehicle fleet (excluding trucks and buses) which currently stands at almost 3 million vehicles, and has grown by more than 20 percent since 2000, travels on average 37 billion kilometres per year. The average age of these vehicles is 12.7 years, and it is getting older. The sheer number of vehicles on the road and the distance being driven means that regular emissions testing could have a significant impact on air pollution.

MTA’s calculations indicate that if 50 percent of the vehicles tested showed a 10 percent reduction in fuel consumption, which would mean an overall reduction in petrol costs of $320 million per year. On a per vehicle basis, that translates to a reduction in petrol costs of $220 per year. “Whichever way you look at it, emissions testing could represent significant savings at both a national an individual level; we’d encourage the government to move on with this as soon a possible” says Stronach.

Regular emissions’ testing is a feature in many other overseas markets and demonstrates a practical commitment to reducing air pollution from vehicles. Even though emissions’ testing has been considered by the current and previous governments, as yet there has been no clear signal of a desire to introduce such a programme.

Testing itself is a relatively quick and straightforward process, with an array of existing technology available to support the introduction of an emissions testing programme. Stronach adds “It’s hard to understand the reluctance to introduce such a programme. It's one measure that could be added to existing checking processes; it does not take a lot of time and would undoubtedly result in an improvement to air quality. And after all isn’t that what everybody wants?”

ENDS

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