Come Clean On Vehicle Emissions, Ms Tizard

ACT New Zealand Transport Spokesman Deborah Coddington today revealed that Mitchell J Williams - the US scientist brought from Colorado to Auckland to research vehicle gas emissions - believes the Labour Government's stance on automobile testing is wrong.

"Mr Williams has emailed me, agreeing with my statement of 1 October 2003, that vehicle testing should only punish motorists that produce unacceptable levels of pollution," Miss Coddington said.

"Associate Transport Minister Judith Tizard wants to punish everyone by introducing tough new standards for every motorist seeking a Warrant of Fitness. This new measure will cost up to $500 per vehicle. Not that Ms Tizard is concerned - her advice to motorists is to `buy another car' if they fail the test.

"There is a cheaper way. Motorists could clean up automobile emissions using remote sensing technology, which Mr Williams says `ensures compliance...without costing kiwis extra money on the WoF test'. This would provide cleaner air and less inconvenience for New Zealand motorists.

"The Labour Government must come clean with the public and reveal its true agenda. Is it really concerned about vehicle emissions, or does it just see it as another way of raising more taxes?" Miss Coddington said.

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