Time for Quebec trucks to quit smoking; anti-emissions rule takes effect
QUEBEC CITY — La Belle Province is truly becoming non-smoking. Cigarette smokers have been forbidden to blow smoke in public areas since May, but now it’s truckers’ turn to stop fumes from their trucks in the province.
This past weekend, Quebec’s road inspectors began giving tickets under the new anti-truck pollution program, Programme d’inspection et d’entretien des véhicules automobiles lourds (PIEVAL).
This heavy-duty vehicle inspection and maintenance program — which takes effect anywhere in Quebec below the 55 parallel — was officially launched on June 1st with several educational demonstrations in different regions of Quebec. Enforcement began on Sept. 1st
repairing emission control components in Que
Targeted by the PIEVAL are the vehicles weighting over 3,000 kg, including trucks, bus, emergency vehicles and municipal vehicles. . Excepted are farm and off-road vehicles.
The Quebec government estimates that between 15,000 and 18,000 heavy vehicles using the province’s roads produces emissions exceeding standards normally accepted in other states and Provinces with similar vehicle emissions programs like Drive Clean in Ontario or B.C.’s Air Care On-Road.
Inspectors will measure the opacity of exhaust smoke using a “snap acceleration method.” Québec’s 240 inspectors will target and conduct road-side tests on trucks that either look or smell like they my be polluting.
For the first two years of the program, acceptable opacity rates will be 45 percent for 1991 and newer trucks and 60 percent for 1990 models and older. After two years, 1991 and newer trucks have to meet a 40 percent opacity benchmark, while 1990 and older must pass a 55 percent standard.
Owners of vehicles over the acceptable rates will receive a fine between $100 and $400, depending if the vehicle is registered to an individual or a company. Those who fail to pay within 30 days and prove the vehicle has been repaired at a provincially accredited re-test/repair facility, can be charged with fines between $300 and $3,000.
Training on good maintenance practices and where emission control components could fail is now offered at to Quebec heavy vehicle owners.
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