The Motor Trade Association has used the release of an international
study into fuel and vehicle emissions standards to again repeat its call
for in-service vehicle emissions testing.
The association has
been calling for in-service testing for some time, last year being
heavily criticised by the Automobile Association over the suggestion –
calling it a revenue grab in light of a likely fall in ‘warrant of
fitness’ inspection revenue.
Now, the MTA says the recent
release of a report into fuel and vehicle emission standards by the
International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) is a timely
reminder of the ‘work still to be done to improve the environmental
performance of New Zealand’s vehicle fleet.’
The
report estimates global pollution from vehicles up to 2030, and
premature mortality associated with exposure to direct emissions of fine
particles from vehicles in urban areas.
A separate report
prepared on behalf of New Zealand’s government (‘Updated health and air
pollution in New Zealand’ study) was issued in March of last year. This
estimated air pollution from motor vehicles is responsible for
approximately 260 premature deaths per year in New Zealand.
MTA
spokesperson, Dougal Morrison, says while New Zealand has moved forward
on emissions – quoting emissions standards for new and used vehicles –
there is more that can be done.
“There is still much that can be
done to improve outcomes,” says Morrison. “While mainstream automotive
fuels in New Zealand meet world industry standards in terms of the
levels of sulphur content they contain, the lack of a mandatory
in-service emissions testing programme leaves a large gap in our
approach to improving air quality.”
Diesel trucks and buses are considered the biggest offenders in the emissions game.
“New
Zealand’s vehicle fleet is continuing to grow in size, and at the same
time it’s aging, meaning the problem is only likely to increase if
nothing is done,” says Morrison.
In its ‘Safer Journeys’
document, the government has indicated it is considering tailpipe
emissions testing as part of its wider aim of improving the safety of
existing vehicles in the fleet.
