The Government will combat the "invisible" road toll by introducing strict regulations on imported cars.
Rules governing engine emissions will be introduced for the first time, said Associate Transport Minister Judith Tizard.
"Our aim is to phase out vehicles that harm our health and our environment."
A report last year said about 400
people died prematurely each year because of exposure to exhaust fumes.
The vehicle exhaust rules should quell fears that New Zealand could be a dumping ground for vehicles not up to emissions standards in Europe, America, Australia and Japan.
They will be introduced in January, but vehicles already in the country will not be affected.
The rules would ensure all vehicles entering the country were built to a standard that enabled them to run efficiently and cleanly on New Zealand fuel, Ms Tizard said.
They would also help form the basis of the Government's vehicle emissions policy.
Herald Feature: Conservation and Environment
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