Many countries have required auto manufacturers to introduce advanced technologies for new vehicles so as to reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and toxic substances. Vehicles manufactured before tight standards went into effect, however, or which have had their pollution controls damaged or destroyed as they aged, remain a serious concern in many countries. The issue of exactly how to reduce emissions from older, higher polluting vehicles is a challenge to policy makers, particularly where they constitute a large percentage of the vehicle fleet. This is often the case for developing countries, where economic conditions encourage imports of used vehicles that then remain on the road well beyond the time they would in wealthier countries.
The joint UNEP/OECD publication Older Gasoline Vehicles helps policy makers select the best options and programmes for controlling emission from old vehicles. It offers policy makers the opportunity to compare the strategies and experiences of other countries in their efforts to reduce automotive emissions. The publication examines the pros and cons of Inspection and Maintenance programmes, approaches that stress vehicle retrofits, accelerated retirement programmes, and the use of alternative fuels. It pays particular attention to the issue of leaded gasoline, and the benefits that result from an accelerated phaseout of this particular fuel additive. An appendix describes the major types of vehicle emissions and their health and environmental concerns. Older Gasoline Vehicles has numerous examples and case studies that make policy lessons real.
The publication follows from a consultative meeting organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); its preparation was supported by a contribution from the International Lead Management Center.
OLDER GASOLINE VEHICLES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND ECONOMIES IN TRANSITION: THEIR IMPORTANCE AND THE POLICY OPTIONS FOR ADDRESSING THEM
ISBN 92-807-1796-9
Price: US$ 30
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UNEP Information Note 00/11