Air Pollution Study Doesn't Support Car-Bashing

Air pollution study doesn't support car-bashing

The Automobile Association has welcomed the release of the HAPINZ Air Pollution Study as an important contribution to the understanding of the impacts of air pollution in our country. However, it appears the report is being misquoted in order to pursue an anti-car agenda.

Mike Noon, the AA's General Manager for Motoring Affairs, says the HAPINZ study states quite clearly that the bulk of the air pollution problem in New Zealand comes from domestic wood fires.

"The study says that after domestic wood fires, the next greatest air pollutants come from heavy commercial vehicles, such as trucks and old buses, followed by light diesel vehicles."

"Heavy commercial diesel vehicles can be up to 50 times more polluting than an ordinary car. We need to address the worst offenders, be they old buses or trucks," says Mr Noon.

"Motorists are happy to play their part to improve air pollution by supporting government initiatives like the compulsory Warrant of Fitness smoky vehicle check, testing used imports in Japan prior to their arrival in New Zealand, and the gradual upgrade of vehicle emission standards for the New Zealand fleet," says Mr Noon.

"Blaming cars for all of the current air pollution problems is far too simplistic, misleading and irresponsible," says Mr Noon.

ENDS

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