Media statement | 18 January 2006

Proposed changes to exhaust emissions rule released for comment

Proposed changes to the requirements for vehicle exhaust emissions have been released for public comment, including a proposal to introduce a visible smoke check for exhausts as part of regular vehicle inspections.

Police currently have the power to ticket smoky vehicles at the roadside, and vehicles entering New Zealand for the first time must meet approved emissions standards, but exhaust emissions are not currently checked as part of Warrant of Fitness (WoF) or Certificate of Fitness (CoF) inspections.

The draft Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Exhaust Emissions (2006) proposes to include a simple visible smoke check as part of WoF and CoF inspections. Vehicles discharging clearly visible, dense smoke from the exhaust would fail inspection.

Director of Land Transport Wayne Donnelly said the proposed new check would only affect a small number of vehicles, but bringing those vehicles up to standard or removing them from the road would benefit all New Zealanders by reducing air pollution.

“Less than two percent of vehicles are likely to fail this check, but they will be gross polluters – most likely poorly maintained and with severely worn or damaged engines. These vehicles are a significant source of air pollution, which in turn can cause serious health problems.”

A 2002 report from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) estimates that around 400 people die prematurely each year from exposure to vehicle emissions. The problem is worse in cities and towns with high traffic rates and congestion where a large segment of the population can be exposed to air pollution.

The draft rule also proposes to change the implementation date for the Euro 4 emissions standard for heavy diesel vehicles in order to prevent disruption to the supply of new heavy diesel vehicles, including public transport buses, for New Zealand companies.

For more information on the draft Vehicle Exhaust Emissions Rule, including submission forms and Q&As, go to www.landtransport.govt.nz/consultation/vehicle-emissions

For more information:
Andy Knackstedt
Media Manager, Land Transport New Zealand                                 
(04) 931-8829  or  0212 763 222