February 21, 2004
By: Peter Coobus
Website: http://www.1st-in-cars.com
Pilot Vehicle Scrappage Program aimed at reducing vehicle emissions and improving air quality
The New Brunswick Lung Association, in conjunction with Environment
Canada, the City of Fredericton, seven local car dealers and Canadian Tire, launched the
Fredericton Vehicle Scrappage Program today.
This pilot program's goal is to reduce
vehicle emissions by encouraging individuals to scrap their 1987 or older vehicles, and
replace them with less polluting means of transportation. Participants will be receiving
incentives such as credit towards a new or newer car, a one-year bus pass, or a new
bicycle and helmet.
In general, pre-1988 models emit approximately 30 times more pollution that new cars.
Vehicle emissions contribute to smog and climate change and have a negative effect on
people's health. What few people realize is that vehicles produced prior to 1988
contribute significantly more pollution as they pre-date more stringent vehicle emission
standards.
In fact, while these vehicles make up approximately 10% of the vehicles on
the road, they contribute about 50% of vehicle emissions said Mr. Kenneth Maybee,
President and CEO of the New Brunswick Lung Association.
Once qualified applicants turn in their 1987 or older vehicle they will choose among the
following incentives: a $500 discount on the purchase of a 1998 or newer vehicle, a $300
discount on the purchase of a 1992-1997 vehicle, a one year Fredericton Transit Bus Pass,
or a new bicycle and helmet.
While the Government of Canada's recently finalized On-Road Vehicle and Engine
Emission Regulations will go far in reducing harmful emissions, more work can be done to
improve air quality in Canada and protect the health of Canadians, said Andy Scott, MP
for Fredericton, on behalf of Environment Minister David Anderson.
Local area programs,
such as this one, play an invaluable role in reducing emissions, which cause smog and
climate change, by permanently removing high emitting vehicles from Canadian roads.
One of the very exciting aspects of the Fredericton Vehicle Scrappage Program is in the
partnerships we have been able to form says Maybee.
The City of Fredericton
recognizes the value of the program and is contributing the transit pass incentives for the
first year of the program. In addition, we are extremely proud of our seven participating
Automotive Dealers and our Fredericton Canadian Tire Stores. They deserve a pat on the
back for supporting the program.
Another unique aspect of the Fredericton Vehicle Scrappage Program is that it will be
piloting a Mercury switch recovery program. Many vehicles on the road today contain
mercury switches in hood and trunk courtesy lighting. Mercury is toxic and can accumulate
in the tissue of living things. In fact, one gram of mercury (about the amount in one
vehicle switch) could contaminate one million litres of water beyond Health Canada's limit
for safe drinking water (0.001 milligrams of mercury per litre) if it were fully diluted.
Through the switch recovery program, mercury switches will be removed prior to scrapping
the vehicle. This will help prevent mercury from being released to the environment.
All mercury switches will be removed from vehicles by the program's scrap yard partner,
J.R. U pick Auto Parts. J.R. owner Merv Langil is excited We have always lived up to the
environmental regulations surrounding scrapping vehicles, but this program helps us be
proactive on this important environmental issue.
The Fredericton Vehicle Scrappage program will run for a two year period. Anyone
interested in applying to the program can find application forms online, or by picking up a brochure at City Hall and other locations around Fredericton.
About
The Author:
Peter Coobus is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cars.com.
Great car accessories and parts plus financing, insurance and leasing tips.
