NLIS 2
August 21, 2002
(Environment)

 

Four day "No Fees, No Fines" vehicle emissions clinic opens

A four day "No Fees, No Fines" vehicle emissions clinic opened today in St. John�s at the Village Mall Parking Lot. Sponsored by the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association, Environment Canada, the provincial Department of Environment, the City of St. John�s, and Smart Taxis Encouraging Environmental Respect (STEER), the clinic is a free service for motorists and provides them with an opportunity to have the pollution control equipment on their vehicles inspected and tested.

"It is great to see all groups involved come together and provide a free service to motorists to learn how to better improve fuel efficiency and help control air pollution," said Kevin Aylward, Minister of Environment.

The "No Fees, No Fines" vehicle emissions clinic is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and runs from August 21 to August 24. At the clinic, a number of assessments and tests are performed on cars, including an assessment of the levels of pollutants in the tailpipe exhaust, a fuel cap pressure test, tire pressure assessments, and an under-hood inspection. Based on the results, the driver will be given a pass or fail report on the vehicle; however, absolutely no fines or penalties will be issued. Rather, for vehicles which fail the inspection, motorists will be given suggestions or recommendations for improvement. Also, drivers will be given the opportunity to submit their name for a chance to win a free oil and filter change from the new Wal Mart location in Mount Pearl.

"I am pleased to see clinics such as this taking place to help improve air quality in St. John�s," said Andy Wells, Mayor of St. John�s.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association is thrilled to be a partner in the 2002 "No Fees, No Fines" vehicle emissions clinic. "The clinic is very important as it is a positive action that we can take which will help to improve air quality,"said Peggy Johnson, Executive Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association. "By ensuring that our cars are running smoothly and decreasing vehicle emissions, we are protecting the air that we all breathe. It is essential to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, but especially those one in five who suffer from lung disease to preserve our wonderful clean air."

Brian Power, Provincial Manager for Environment Canada, stated that clean air is a priority for the Government of Canada. "In keeping with this priority, we are pleased to continue our partnership with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association in offering this free service to citizens to help evaluate the effectiveness of their vehicles� pollution control equipment. Such equipment, when operating properly, significantly reduces the emissions contributing to smog, acid rain and climate change," said Mr. Power.

Stephen Byrne, Program Coordinator for Smart Taxis Encouraging Environmental Respect, which is a nonprofit organization that has been funded by Natural Resources Canada and is working to reduce harmful vehicle emissions, is pleased that initiatives such as the vehicle emissions clinic are available to the residents of St. John's to help build a cleaner environment. "This event reflects the growing and positive attitude that people have a concern for the environment and STEER is proud to be a major partner, " said Mr. Byrne. "In working with the taxi industry of St. John's, STEER realizes the importance of owning a vehicle, but encourages such things as proper driving techniques and maintenance."

"No Fees, No Fines" vehicle emissions clinics have been held throughout Newfoundland and Labrador since 1989.

Media contact:

Tina Coffey, Department of Environment, (709) 729-5783
Sonya Smith, Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association, (709) 726-4664
Gerri King, City of St. John�s, (709) 576-8613
Brian Power, Environment Canada, (709) 772-5491
Stephen Byrne, STEER, (709) 576-6136

2002 08 21                             10:45 a.m.


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