Mta Welcomes Emissions Testing Initiative

The Motor Trade Association (MTA) is pleased with the government’s new policy to tackle growing air pollution from vehicle emissions.

“We support the Government’s initiative as a sensible and necessary move which will benefit all New Zealanders,” said MTA CEO Stephen Matthews. “MTA has been advocating such a move for many years now and we are currently involved in discussions with the Ministry of Transport over what form testing should take.” As part of the new policy there will initially be an entry into service rule which will come into force on 1 January 2004 for light vehicles and 2006 for heavy vehicles. This rule will apply to vehicles imported from Japan, United States, Europe and Australia.

Further measures will be introduced in 2006 to screen the existing fleet for emissions compliance as part of warrant of fitness or certificate of fitness inspections.

In the interim, MTA will be working with officials to ensure screening tests are workable for motorists and practicable for vehicle inspection agencies, while also meeting the government's objectives. Testing facilities need to be widely available to ensure wide spread compliance.

MTA will also work to ensure that adequate consultation with the vehicle sales and repair industry takes place so that sensible choices are made in relation to processes and equipment.

“Our advice to motorists is not to wait until the rules are in place to ensure their vehicles are well maintained,” said Mr Matthews. “Get into the habit of having your vehicles serviced regularly by a professional right now, and reap the benefits of reliability, fuel economy and savings on repairs.”

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