Government plans compulsory emission checks on cars

11.45am

A Government plan to cut traffic-related pollution includes proposals for compulsory vehicle emission checks.

A National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Science study issued in March last year estimated that 399 people aged 30 and over died prematurely each year from exposure to exhaust fumes in New Zealand.

Associate Transport Minister Judith Tizard says the Government want to move as quickly as possible on the issue "in order to reduce the invisible road toll from the health effects of vehicle emissions".

Government proposals include a public education campaign about vehicle emissions as a first step, followed by compulsory checks for used and imported vehicles before they are sold, and in the future regular compulsory checks for all vehicles.

Ms Tizard said an analysis of the proposals would be presented to Cabinet in August accompanied by a timeline for their introduction.

Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons has welcomed the proposals.

"New Zealanders have suffered long enough from vehicle emissions," she said in a statement.

"It's essential that every transport decision takes into account the wider health implications and the significant burden that cars and trucks place on our health environment."

- NZPA