Vehicle emissions, especially diesel emissions, is a significant contributor to air pollution in the Eden district. The control of diesel vehicle emissions is an objective of the Eden Air Quality Management Plan.
Although monitoring of vehicle emissions is in terms of the National Framework for Air Quality Management in SA, a local municipal function, Eden is coordinating air quality matters in the Eden district and is assisting B-municipalities (local) with amongst others, vehicle emission testing.
Dr Johan Schoemann, the Eden District Manager for Air Quality, said: “A Vehicle Emissions Testing programme was initiated as outcome of the last Eden Air Quality Officers Forum which includes testing of vehicles in Mossel Bay, Bitou, George and Hessequa.”
The project was launched in Louis Fourie Road, Mossel Bay on 20 April 2016. During the launch, diesel trucks were tested for compliance, in accordance with the emission limits set in the Mossel Bay Air Quality By-Law. Only one diesel vehicle failed the smoke test and was issued a repair notice.
The next vehicle testing will take place on 28 April 2016 on the N2 in Plettenberg Bay, in collaboration with Bitou Municipality.
