The new 10-second regulation to limit excessive fumes from vehicles is not a practical measure for heavy vehicles, Road Transport Forum chief executive Tony Friedlander said today.

“We agree with the Government that change is needed to deal with the issue, but this regulation is not the answer for trucks,” said Mr Friedlander.

“Transport Ministry officials have agreed that it is flawed, and are prepared to work with us the find a solution.”

Mr Friedlander said that laden trucks travelling up hills would be unable to comply with the regulation, as this caused a far greater level of exhaust vapour than driving on flat land.

“This could virtually prevent goods entering and leaving Auckland and Wellington by truck, while the Canterbury Plains may be the only area of the country where heavy vehicles could comply.

“A major problem with the decision is that all heavy vehicles in New Zealand are imported from Europe, Japan and the United States, but this test is far different from the ones used in these countries.”

Mr Friedlander said in its present form, the change could cause major disruptions for the New Zealand economy, as a large number of trucks could be ordered off the roads for not passing this new test.

“We certainly agree the issue needs to be addressed, but this is not the way to do it for heavy vehicles,” said Mr Friedlander. “We look forward to working with the Government to get a more practical approach in place.”

ENDS

Details: Tony Friedlander Ph: 04 472 3877 Mob: 025 483 163

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Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>