RIVERSDALE NEWS - The National Framework for Air Quality Management in South Africa lists vehicle emissions monitoring as a function of a local municipality.

Hessequa and the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) held a successful campaign on 24 May where the respective municipal air quality units were assisted by the Hessequa Traffic Department and Law Enforcement.

The specific location that was chosen was the Sunrise picnic spot on the western N2 entrance to Riversdale.

Vehicle emission testing is done by making use of the smoke check 1667 opacity meter.

The opacity meter measures diesel smoke in "percent opacity" which is the percentage of light that is blocked when shining through a smoke plume and can range from 0% to 100% opacity.

A total of thirty-nine (39) trucks were inspected. Each vehicle first had to undergo a visual inspection of its exhaust gas and if the vehicle emits excessive dark smoke, further testing using the smoke check 1667 opacity meter is undertaken. The opacity meter gives a printout of the test report and states if the vehicle complies or not. The Traffic Department may issue a fine or a warning if a vehicle does not comply.

The main objective of this project is to make the public aware of vehicle emissions and to minimise the impact it has on ambient air quality in the Hessequa, and ultimately Garden Route district region. 

Public awareness is one of the keys to protecting the environment for the present and future generations as enshrined in the Constitution's Bill of Rights.

Didi Burdricks, Head of Public Relations and Administration at Hessequa Municipality said they had excellent cooperation from the drivers of the vehicles and all the vehicles passed the test. 

"It is an indication of proper maintenance of especially the big mainline trucks. The Hessequa Municipality want to thank Dr Schoeman (GRDM) and his team for their assistance and excellent co-operation to make the project a success."

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