Government to consult on Drive Clean expansion

The Ontario Government will consult on proposals to enhance and expand Drive Clean, the province’s program to cut smog-causing vehicle emissions, Environment Minister Elizabeth Witmer announced today.

“Air quality is everybody’s business,” said Witmer. “Drive Clean is helping keep our
air clean and we want to build on its success. We invite the people of Ontario to provide insight into how we can make Drive Clean even more effective.”

Key points of the consultation include whether a Repair Cost Limit should be an ongoing part of Drive Clean and whether the program should be expanded to other
communities.

The Drive Clean program requires emissions tests for cars, light trucks and vans
every two years in order to renew their registrations. Vehicles that fail the test must be repaired and pass a re-test.

Drive Clean is an important part of Ontario’s comprehensive air quality strategy to
reduce smog, acid rain and greenhouse gas emissions. The government is committed to achieving emissions reductions in all sectors, including transportation.

“We are committed to a process of continuous improvement for Drive Clean, because we want to continue to have one of the best ongoing vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance programs in North America,” said Witmer.

Drive Clean was introduced in April,1999 in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton. On January 1, 2001, it expanded to other urban centres from Peterborough to Windsor, including the Niagara Region.

Vehicle owners can use the Repair Cost Limit which allows them to spend up to $200 on emissions-related repairs to obtain a conditional pass for registration renewal. The limit was due to expire on March 31, 2001 in Toronto and Hamilton, but has been extended to June 30 to allow for public consultation.