Vehicle emissions - Can we fix it?

Theres been a lot of talk about used Japanese vehicles, climate change and the impact of vehicle emissions on the New Zealand environment for years, but up until now, its all been too hard and too complex a problem to solve.

On the other hand, doing nothing is not the greatest solution either.

The Minister for Transport Safety Harry Duynhoven was recently invited to an Emissions Testing New Zealand (ETNZ) Ltd presentation in Rotorua, to demonstrate how this specialist sector group can assist Government in meeting climate change goals.

The transport sector is a major contributor of greenhouse gases into the New Zealand environment.

The process presented will have a significant effect on reducing vehicle emissions, as well as assisting with fuel economy issues.

Arrangements have been made to provide a similar presentation to Assoc Minister of Transport Judith Tizard later in August. 

A report is also being prepared for the Minister of Transport, Minister for Climate Change and transport officials.

At this point, the subjective tailpipe visual check is being considered as the only viable option for emissions screening.

This test has little scientific basis and does not provide statistical information to prove that New Zealand is reducing, or even meeting, its emission targets in the transport sector.

If it goes ahead however, it will have an impact on motorists with some form of financial penalty being applied at a future date.

ETNZ fully understands the dilemma that Central Government has, particularly selling a political solution where a significant result may not take place for decades to come.

However the alternatives are not that rosy either, and who wants their family and children inheriting a problem they may not be able to solve?

It is accepted by everyone in the automotive trade that we need to face up to taking some real action and do our best to make a change for the future now. 

Delaying the inevitable and delaying future action could well mean that the damage is irreparable.

To this end, the specialist engine, diesel and electronic automotive sectors have formed a proposal to initially work in conjunction with the visible smoke test to provide parallel objective testing to actually make a difference.

ETNZ has been formed by four specialist groups, comprising AADS (diesel specialists), YES Group (electronic specialists), BASDA (auto electrical and diesel specialists), as well as the NZERA (Engine Reconditioning specialists). 

Collectively, these groups form a national network to work and assist organisations such as MTA, AA and VSF and other WOF testers to provide specialist technical support and parallel objective testing to impact on vehicle emissions and assist the motoring public with mechanical and electronic repair solutions.

The process has been designed to meet the stringent requirements required today to be able to work on modern vehicles, as well as developing a data collection system for vehicle emissions statistics.

The group sees limited value in the proposed visual vehicle emission screening programme as an isolated testing regime, and believes the introduction of the visual test should be in conjunction with a parallel objective testing regime.

This would provide a more stringent testing mechanism to clean up the in service vehicle fleet and help motorists to comply with emission issues and have a positive impact on the environment.

The process being proposed for an emission testing programme is administratively practical, as well as being affordable, with testing and measuring of the statistical results to show the benefits of the programme.

On August 23, an industry Emissions Seminar is being held in Auckland to provide an industry perspective on the problems government faces and provide practical solutions.

These solutions can be implemented and will actually make a difference.

A number of specialist technical speakers will be presenting at this seminar along with Government officials.

ETNZ has a practical and effective programme which will make a positive difference.

Reader reply 080601