Local News

Minister to 'Blitz' Smoky Vehicles

April 30th, 2001

The Minister for Environment and Conservation, Ms Sherryl Garbutt, today urged Victorian drivers to help protect Melbourne's air quality.

Ms Garbutt was speaking as she joined EPA enforcement officers in Prahran on duty for a blitz against smoky vehicles.

"Almost half of Melbourne's daily air pollution is caused by emissions from motor vehicles. Our communities simply do not have to tolerate cars and trucks that billow smoke," Ms Garbutt said.

Smoky vehicle blitzes are held throughout Victoria with owners of smoky vehicles being issued with on-the-spot fines of $1000 for company vehicles and $500 for individuals.

Enforcement officers use digital imaging technology to record vehicles emitting visible smoke for longer than 10 seconds.

The roadside blitz is part of the Make Vehicles Stop Smoking campaign, which aims to educate people about the effect of vehicle emissions on air quality and encourage the public to report smoky vehicles.

The campaign also encourages members of the public to play a role in reducing air pollution by reporting vehicles that are smoke heavily to EPA Victoria either by phone or via the EPA Victoria website.

"Most people are responsible about maintaining their vehicles and ensuring that their car does not have an excessive impact on the environment," Ms Garbutt said.

"Air quality impacts on where we all live and so it is fair that we expect our neighbours to look after their vehicles as well as we do."

Victorians have embraced the campaign, sending a very clear message that they will not tolerate polluters. EPA Victoria continues to have record numbers of smoky vehicle reports lodged by the public, with around 1700 public reports lodged in February.

"Like our litter campaign, public reporting is a key element to the smoky vehicle campaign and we encourage all Victorians participate in efforts to clean up our neighbourhoods," Ms Garbutt said.

Vehicles seen emitting black smoke for 10 seconds or more are reportable at EPA Victoria's website. Smoky vehicle reports can also be lodged by calling (03) 9695 2755 or 1800 444 051 (country callers). Report forms may be obtained from EPA Victoria's Information Centre on (03) 9695 2722.