UAE | Traffic and Transport

Polluting vehicles to be taken to task

The Environmental Protection and Development Authority (EPDA) has announced a new exhaust measuring system to be implemented on heavy vehicles shortly in the emirate.

  • By Nasouh Nazzal, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 22:57 February 13, 2009
  • Gulf News

Ras Al Khaimah: The Environmental Protection and Development Authority (EPDA) has announced a new exhaust measuring system to be implemented on heavy vehicles shortly in the emirate.

EPDA has already received several portable machines which enable officials to measure accurately the outcome of exhausts of heavy vehicles.

"The main target is to preserve air quality and reduce air pollution caused by the movement of heavy vehicles in the emirate," said Dr Saif M. Al Gais, the Executive Director of EPDA.

He said that all vehicles using diesel will be subjected to tests that will be randomly carried out on the streets of the emirate.

He said that vehicles that pass the tests will be given a certificate and those which fail will be given a month's grace period to rectify their engines. They will be re-checked later for verification.

He warned that vehicles which fail to meet the requirement will be given official warning and later the EPDA will impose heavy fines on them.

Residents welcomed the implementation of the new environmental measure, claiming that it would help reduce air pollution, especially in residential areas that are close to the streets used by heavy vehicles.

The residents said that the move is timely because drivers of heavy vehicles and transportation companies do not care much about the maintainence of their vehicles' engines, as long as they are in running condition and are able to deliver their loads to their scheduled destinations.

The residents stressed that usually drivers do not bother to maintain their vehicles as they consider that taking the vehicles off the road would waste their time and deprive them of money.

Now with the official implementation of the new measure, they would be forced to ensure that their vehicles meet all environmental regulations.

Residents, who live close to roads used by heavy vehicles, also said that exhaust fumes enter their homes and sticks to their furniture and other household items.

Judging from the black soot that is given out by the passing heavy vehicles, the time has come for them to adhere to the new measure, the residents said.


Your comments


Follow-up regarding noise pollution. Does Dubai Police have a solution with regards to people who use horns in residential areas, especially late at night?
Venus
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 14, 2009, 16:24

What about noise pollution in Dubai? People out here have taken honking for granted. There should be a strict fine for unnesecary use of horns. Dubai Police, please read this and apply a new rule and fines.
Ahmad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 14, 2009, 12:57

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