Vehicle Emissions Screening Programme - 24 Jan 2005

[Mike - Wellington MX5]

Last year, in response to concerns about declining air quality
associated with vehicle exhaust emissions, and the resulting severe
health problems, the government, with the support of the Green Party,
announced a range of new fuel and emissions standards, including plans
to introduce mandatory emissions screening.

Emissions screening will target the very worst polluters. These are the
then percent of vehicles that are currently responsible for between 40
and 50 percent of vehicle pollutants. Addressing this ten percent will
bring about considerable reductions in vehicle emissions.

The Ministry of Transport has released a discussion document outlining
the proposed framework for a New Zealand vehicle emissions screening
programme, the New Zealand Vehicle Emissions Screening Programme
Discussion Document.
<http://www.transport.govt.nz/business/m ... quality/pr
ogramme-discussion/index.php>

The discussion document is an important part of the government's
commitment to ensure the final vehicle emissions screening programme is
fair, equitable and does not unduly penalise the vast majority of
responsible motorists.

Comment is sought on the specific questions set out in the discussion
document so that the Ministry can explore and better understand the
issues and opportunities around the proposed programme. General comments
about the proposed framework are also sought.

People are encouraged to make a submission. Please note that submissions
on the discussion document close on 24 January 2005. Details of how to
make a submission are set out on page 2 of the discussion document.

The companion document, New Zealand Vehicle Emissions Screening
Programme Resource Document, sets out more detailed information
supporting the discussion document.

Following the receipt of submissions, comments will be reported to the
Government and will inform the development of a draft Land Transport
Rule (yellow draft), which will be released for further public comment
in early-2005. It is expected the final Rule covering vehicle emissions
screening will be signed in mid-2006.


Regards,
Mike
- Wellington / Upper Hutt MX5 Club Co-ordinator