Reducing vehicle emissions
The Ministry for the Environment works closely with the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Economic Development, transport agencies and councils to develop policies and regulations that reduce emissions from vehicles.
The current measures being implemented support the implementation of the air quality national environmental standards.
Vehicle Emission Standards
The Ministry of Transport is currently considering further actions required to reduce emissions from vehicles based on a recent report on the health effects of vehicle emissions in New Zealand. Measures currently implemented or being implemented by Ministry of Transport to manage vehicle emissions are summarised as follows:
- Improve identification of excessively smoky vehicles being used on the road. This Land Transport Rule, introduced in March 2001 is enforced by the Police.
- Introduce progressive emissions standards for vehicles first entering the fleet – including new and used imports:
- The first Land Transport Rule controlling vehicle emissions was introduced in 2003, and is updated regularly to introduce new measures.
- Since October 2006, all vehicles must pass a visible smoke test to get a warrant of fitness or certificate of compliance. This was accompanied by a “choke the smoke” publicity campaign.
- From January 2008, all used imported vehicles must be manufactured to recent emissions standards, and must pass an emissions check before being allowed to enter our fleet.
Fuel Quality Standards
Progressive improvements have been made to fuel quality in New Zealand since 2002, The most recent changes to the regulations include a requirement for all petrol to have a maximum of 50ppm sulphur from 1st January 2008, and for all diesel to have a maximum of 10ppm sulphur from 1st January 2009.
Last updated: 29 February 2012
