By STUART DYE
Just 10 per cent of cars in the Auckland region are responsible for over half the carbon monoxide pumped into the atmosphere from the region's fleet, according to a new study released yesterday.
The Auckland Regional Council, which commissioned the study by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric
Research, says the study shows emissions testing should become part of warrant of fitness checks.
Over 40,000 vehicles were tested in a month-long study measuring pollutants from the tailpipes of vehicles at 16 sites throughout the Auckland region.
It is estimated that vehicle particle emissions cause 250 premature deaths every year in the Auckland region, and air pollution levels regularly exceed World Health Organisation standards for carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.
ARC air quality manager Kevin Mahon said the results highlighted the need for New Zealanders to tune their vehicles regularly. Well-cared-for cars came out in the top 20 per cent regardless of how old they were.
Imported vehicles, which make up half the Auckland fleet, had lower emissions on average than New Zealand-new vehicles.
Herald Feature: Conservation and Environment
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