July 20, 2001

The campaign to bring lower sulphur diesel to Auckland will roll out on Stagecoach buses from today.

“Auckland’s holding its breath”, “Let’s Clear the Air”, “Cleaner diesel now”, and “Get on board” are the slogans which Aucklanders will see on 80 buses around the region.

The advertisements are the result of a partnership between Stagecoach New Zealand, the country’s largest diesel user, Caltex New Zealand, its fuel supplier, and the ARC which has spearheaded Auckland’s push for cleaner diesel as part of a follow up to its 0800 SMOKEY campaign.

“We’re delighted to have Stagecoach and Caltex on board to help us spread the word on this very important environmental and health issue,” ARC chairman Philip Warren says.

“The buses will act as mobile billboards inviting the people of Auckland to register their support for our campaign.”

Stagecoach Executive Chairman Ross Martin says the company, which also owns Fullers Auckland, is supporting the call for cleaner diesel in Auckland because it wishes to further increase the environmental benefits which arise from use of buses and ferries.

“The more people use public transport, the more we will see Auckland’s air quality improve,” Mr Martin says.

“We must also ensure that the fuel we use for our public transport vehicles is as clean as it can be. That’s why we support this campaign.”

Cr Warren says the advertisements will also be a timely reminder to the Government that Auckland is still waiting for the Government to take a stance on the issue.

“The Government should be taking the high ground on this issue, especially as they are undertaking a national fuel specifications review and will be releasing a public discussion document on August 1.

“If they want to be seen to have any credibility on the subject of fuel specifications the least they could do would be to address the Auckland issue.”

Members of the public can register their support for cleaner diesel at www.smokey.org.nz.

Ends

© Scoop Media