Dudu Lushaba
The City of Johannesburg’s Environment & Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) and the Gauteng Department of Environment conducted random diesel vehicle emission testing on Thursday, 10 October 2024, as part of Transport Month awareness activities.
Vehicle emissions are a major contributor to poor air quality. When fossil fuels are burned, exhaust fumes contain harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, particulates, smog-forming volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, formaldehyde, and benzene. These pollutants pose significant health risks and contribute to the well-known brown haze over Johannesburg.
The City’s Air Quality Management Plan, alongside its Climate Action Plan, advocates for a transition towards greener, sustainable transportation that reduces environmental harm. According to the National Department of Transport, the transport sector in South Africa is responsible for 10.8% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with Johannesburg’s transport sector accounting for 34% of the city’s overall emissions, as noted in the 2020 emissions inventory.
Musa Mahlatji, Deputy Director of Air Quality in the City, stressed the negative health impacts of air pollution. “To manage emissions from transport, the City is regulating diesel vehicle emissions through its diesel emissions testing programme,” Mahlatji explained.
The City’s Air Pollution Control By-laws of 2021 set acceptable limits for tailpipe smoke from diesel-powered vehicles. Vehicle and fleet owners are encouraged to maintain their vehicles to meet these standards, reducing harmful emissions. Recommended measures include using fuel additives, regularly checking tyre pressure, minimising idling, adapting driving styles, adhering to speed limits, and keeping up with routine vehicle servicing.
As part of the programme, several trucks were inspected along Heidelberg Road in the City Deep area to assess their tailpipe emissions. Drivers received performance reports, indicating whether their vehicle passed or failed, and were advised on ways to improve their vehicle’s performance.
SOURCED FROM THE JOBURG WEBSITE.
