Diesel-run vehicles fall short

An emissions test of 344 vehicles throughout Otago has shown diesels to be the worst polluters.

The testing, by Otago Polytechnic, with equipment bought by the regional council, found 70 per cent of diesel vehicles tested failed the emissions test and 94 per cent of petrol vehicles passed.

Otago Polytechnic automotive engineering department lecturer Brian McCurdy said in a report to the council's finance and corporate committee this week the high failure rate for diesel vehicles was the result of owners not keeping up regular maintenance.

"Diesel engines have the ability to keep on operating so many people miss checks, but in most cases the failures would be brought into line by servicing."

Of the 108 diesel vehicles tested to European standards, all electronically controlled late models passed with ease and non-electronically controlled vehicles - which had been maintained - also passed.

Four vehicles which failed the initial test but returned to be tested after servicing passed the test.

Mr McCurdy said the only way to change the situation was for the Government to implement testing as part of the warrant of fitness regime.

It was hoped legislation would be introduced next year which could see excessively smoky vehicles failing their warrant of fitness tests.

- NZPA