27 April 2005

Dealing with the harmful effects of vehicle emissions

Associate Transport Minister Judith Tizard said today that results from the pilot testing programme for vehicle emissions indicated that methods other than the 'simple idle test' needed to be investigated to reduce the harmful effect of emissions.

“I have listened very carefully to feedback from the consultation and have been advised that research shows it is more expensive than originally envisaged, and is unlikely to deliver the improved health outcomes we want," Judith Tizard said.

“The government remains determined to reduce the harmful health and environmental effects of vehicle exhaust emissions.

"I have asked Ministry of Transport officials to investigate other initiatives to clean up the New Zealand vehicle fleet’s harmful emissions. This includes focusing on finding ways to hasten the uptake of ‘clean’ technology vehicles and encouraging the removal and disposal of ‘end-of-life’ vehicles from the fleet.

"Another initiative that will be explored is the 'visual smoke test' as part of the warrant and certificate of fitness check, which could essentially move the ‘10-second’ rule from the roadside into the workshop.

"I want the Ministry of Transport to fully concentrate on this job at hand so we get the best results for reducing harmful emission levels.

"We know that poor emissions contribute to health problems such as premature death, heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma – particularly in children and older people. This government is committed to tackling the health and environmental impacts associated with vehicle exhaust emissions in New Zealand," Judith Tizard said.

www.transport.govt.nz/current/issues

ENDS

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