The Tribune

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas Motor Dealers Association’s (BMDA) president yesterday called for the Government to phase-in its proposed vehicle emissions standards over eight-10 years to prevent “an overnight shock” for local motorists.

Fred Albury, while backing the objective of protecting the environment, said the Government had to guard against a “drastic impact” to the auto industry by allowing Bahamians time to graduate from their existing autos to ones with the required emissions standards.

He suggested that the Bahamas start with a lower emissions standard than currently proposed in the Environmental Health (Vehicle Emissions) Regulations 2013, then gradually enhance this via various timelines and benchmarks, thereby giving consumers time to adjust.

Mr Albury, who heads the Auto Mall, Executive Motors and Omega Motors dealerships, said that if the change was too rapid it could harm the auto industry and “we’ll all end up riding bicycles”.

While acknowledging that emissions testing and standards could ultimately end up boosting the new car industry over its used counterpart, as only modern vehicles would be the only ones that could meet the requirements, the BMDA president nevertheless called for a phased approach.

“Emissions standards should be phased in over an eight-10 year period to give the consumer time to take off the road some of the stuff out there now, and move towards vehicles with higher standards,” Mr Albury told Tribune Business.

He added that one of his manufacturers, Toyota, following an initial glance at the Government’s proposed emissions regulations, felt they were tailored to engines with ‘Euro 4’ specifications - a standard that exceeds most vehicles on Bahamian roads.

While such standards would “eliminate a lot of the rubbish coming in here” in terms of used cars, Mr Albury said many consumers currently operating such vehicles would have to invest heavily to bring them into line with these regulations.

“This is going to eliminate a lot of models we see on the road today,” the BMDA chief told Tribune Business. “My recommendation is to come in with a lower emissions requirement, and gradually increase it to allow vehicles to come off the road.

“Gradually get to the target, but ensure vehicles coming in do meet higher emissions standards so that consumers are not shocked overnight on it.

“The consumer would be reckless in buying a 10-12 year-old vehicle that does not pass emissions testing. You’d be better off buying a new vehicle that you will get use of for a period of years.”

Commending the Government for its initiative, Mr Albury added: “Overall, it’s a step in the right direction, provided it’s followed through on, as emissions testing has been kicked around for a number of years.

“I would hope the Department of Environmental Health would consult with the new and used car dealers to get input from us before they pass a drastic piece of legislation that considerably impacts the industry and we all end up riding bicycles.”

Kenred Dorsett, minister of the environment, said the public release of the draft Bill marked the start of consultation over its contents.

Explaining the intentions behind it, he said in a statement: “In an effort to lower our collective carbon footprint, it is the intention of the Government of the Bahamas to advance legislation regulating vehicle emissions.

“This proposed legislation calls for all passenger vehicles, excluding antique vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles with electric motor attached or motor scooters, to undergo emissions testing.

“The owners of motor vehicles would be required to present their vehicles for testing on an annual basis,” Mr Dorsett said.

“Such test would be conducted under the guidance of the Controller of the Road Traffic Department. Should the vehicle pass the emissions test, a certificate of standard will be issued, which should be affixed to the motor vehicle.

“Should the vehicle not meet the set standard a grace period of four weeks will be granted in order to become compliant. There are also penalties for persons failing to present their vehicles for emissions testing at the prescribed time.”