Looks like AirCare will live.
AirCare program breathes new life
By Frank Luba
Clamouring for the end of the emissions-testing program motorists love to hate began soon after cars first started getting tested in 1992.
But after a review this year of the program, Metro Vancouver’s environment and energy committee recommended Tuesday that AirCare be extended through to 2020.
The current AirCare contract expires December 31, 2011. The program is administered by TransLink, but recommendations about its future rest with the Metro Vancouver Regional District and the Fraser Valley Regional District because they are responsible for air quality.
Roger Quan, air quality manager for Metro Vancouver, said the final decision on AirCare goes beyond the regional districts.
“Ultimately, it’s the decision of the provincial government,” said Quan.
The Metro committee also asked that heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks be included in the new AirCare program.
The quality of vehicles’ emissions has improved drastically since the program began.
But a consultant’s report to the Metro committee indicated “the emission performance of newer vehicles is deteriorating more rapidly than previously thought, resulting in greater incidence of emission control system failure.”
Quan said that in 2007 to 2008, about 115,000 — or 13 per cent of all cars tested — failed to meet required standards.
The full Metro Vancouver board will vote on whether to support AirCare at its Nov. 26 meeting.
fluba@theprovince.com
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