Auckland Regional Council Press Release

2 June 2005

So far 1,144 drivers in Auckland have been advised to tune their cars as results come in from the Auckland Regional Council’s air quality emissions testing campaign.

To date, 14,000 cars have driven past the emission monitor. Of these, 1,144 recorded a “poor emissions” reading.

ARC Environment Management Committee Chair, Dianne Glenn says whilst it is heartening that this represents only eight per cent, it is still cause for concern.

“Car emissions can have a damaging effect on our health, and emissions from un-tuned cars can be up to 50 times worse than a well-maintained car. The ARC is hoping that through the emissions testing campaign, drivers will become more aware of this and keep their cars regularly maintained,” she says.

The ARC recommends that petrol cars be tuned once a year and diesel every six months.

Results to date

· 19 May, Whangaparaoa Rd – Total tested 897, Number failed 96 (10.7%)

· 20 May, Grand Drive, Orewa – Total tested 2017, Number failed 120 (5.9%)

· 24 May, St Heliers Bay Rd – Total tested 1384, Number failed 75 (5.4%)

· 25 May, West End Rd, Cox’s Bay – Total tested 2710, Number failed 262 (9.7%)

· 26 May, Whangaparaoa Rd - Total tested 4075, Number failed 471 (11.6%)

The ARC has written to the 1,144 drivers and invited them to join the Big Clean Up in order to receive a 10% discount on their car service at selected MTA dealers and a chance to go into a draw to be reimbursed the cost of a tune up and repairs to a maximum value of $500.

Testing will continue until the end June. Details of where the monitor will be located can be found on www.arc.govt.nz/air. Dates are subject to weather conditions.

ENDS

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