Cars older than ’95 emit more pollution than new cars
Posted October 18, 2010 11:17 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Although previous research indicated that 1995 model year and older vehicles emit 19 times more smog-forming emissions than 2004 and newer vehicles, a recent AirCare study of a sample of these older cars retired through the Retire Your Ride program shows that the tested vehicles were actually on average 39 times more polluting than 2004 and newer vehicles. Those behind the research hope Canadians will take a closer look at what they are driving and the impact it is having.
Dave Gorley with the BC SCRAP-IT Program says there is a natural turnover in fleet. “There are always new cars being bought and older cars being scrapped as they reach the end of their lives. I guess what you are really looking to do is to accelerate that if you can and see some of the older vehicles retire a little sooner than they might have otherwise.”
He admits it is an economic issue for most, although the Retire Your Ride program does offer incentives for recycling older vehicles like public transit passes, memberships to a car-sharing programs, or possible cash and rebates on cars 2004 and newer.
