New standards will require heavy vehicles to be cleaner

New heavy vehicle models launched in Australia from January 1, 2007 will be fitted with Australian Design Rule (ADR) 80/02 (Euro IV) compliant engines, with all new heavy vehicles complying from January 1, 2008. Australian Design Rules for the new standards were developed by the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DoTARS) and are listed on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments. Australias Transport and Environment Ministers approved Euro IV and Euro V as primary standards in April 2005, subject to their finalization by the European Commission. NTC General Manager (Safety & Environment) Tim Eaton, who chairs the Land Transport Environment Committee (LTEC) advisory group, says the revised ADRs received broad support and included a number of technical changes following industry consultation. “The new design standards ensure proven engine technology advancements continue to reduce emission levels; particularly as the older urban vehicle fleet is replaced,” he says. (December 23, 2006)