Release date: 11/09/09
The Department of Transport General Manager of Licensing, Alastair Bryant has announced a moratorium for up to six-month on IM240 vehicle emissions testing, saying that the Department had come to the view that the testing regime’s initial roll out in April this year was not in the State’s immediate best interest.
Mr Bryant said that in April the Department of Transport introduced procedures requiring vehicles which had undergone aftermarket engine and exhaust modifications to be subjected to IM240 emissions testing to ensure compliance with regulations that have been in force since 2002.
“Since this time, it has become increasingly apparent the testing regime, in its current form, is not well enough understood or sufficiently accessible to merit its compulsory mandating,” he said.
“Currently there is only one testing facility accredited to carrying out the specific IM240 test in WA. This lack of testing facilities coupled with the long lead-time required to bring more facilities online has driven the decision to introduce a moratorium for up to six-months so that greater engagement with industry can be undertaken to inform them of the changes, and to improve accessibility,” added Mr Bryant.
The Minister for Transport fully endorses the formation of a broad industry-based committee made up of key industry people, departmental officials, the RAC and other experts to examine and resolve this matter.
Mr Bryant emphasised that, “It is important to ensure that any future changes to the emissions testing regime are done so in a fully considered and diligent manner in order to limit any negative impacts that those changes may have.”
It is expected that the committee’s first meeting will be held within a fortnight.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kevin Tonkin, Senior Communications Coordinator 0407 019 283
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