Annual Report 2006 (main body) - RTA - NSW Government

REDUCING VEHICLE
EMISSIONS
IMPLEMENTATION OF DIESEL NEPM
The RTA’s work on implementing the diesel
National Environment Protection Measure
(NEPM) is spearheading management of
diesel vehicle emissions in Australia.
Diesel emission testing
An extensive testing program for diesel
vehicles has been conducted, using the
DT80 test to check emissions from nearly
3,000 trucks and buses.The findings of this
program were converted to the Clean
Fleet program which encourages diesel
operators to properly maintain their
vehicles. The RTA continues to undertake
emissions testing for interested fleets
including Baxters Bus Lines and the City of
Sydney Council.
Clean fleet program
The voluntary Clean Fleet program was
developed and trialled in consultation with
the transport industry and officially
launched in June 2006 by the Minister for
Roads. This statewide program seeks to
reduce diesel vehicle emissions though
participating fleets which must meet
standards for using clean fuel, correct engine
settings, regular vehicle maintenance, and
effective fault identification and repair. Clean
Fleet is an accredited program under the
federal Fuel Tax Credit program which
began on 1 July 2006 and which entitles
diesel vehicle operators to a diesel rebate.
The Ministry of Transport requires
metropolitan bus systems contract operators
to comply with the Clean Fleet program.
DEC Model Waste and Recycling Collection
Contract also requires waste management
contractors to join Clean Fleet.
Diesel emissions awareness
The RTA offers a free TAFE course on
‘How to reduce truck emissions’ to truck
drivers, operators, diesel mechanics and fleet
managers. The course was extended
throughout NSW, in Sydney, Shell Harbour,
Kurri-Kurri, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga.
The course has received very high approval
ratings from attendees and is being
implemented in other jurisdictions.The RTA
also developed a CD-ROM, containing basic
principles and similar practical advice on how
to reduce diesel vehicle emissions, for smaller
fleet operators and workshop mechanics.
NSW Diesel Retrofit
Demonstration program
The NSW Diesel Retrofit Demonstration
program, partly funded by the Environmental
Trust, which is administered by the DEC,
was completed in March 2006. The
program focused on the benefits of
retrofitting emissions reduction devices to
in-service diesel vehicles. Feasibility, costs
and benefits of implementing a broader
diesel retrofit program in NSW were also
assessed through an operational trial of the
devices.This demonstration project has laid
the foundation for the development of
phase two of the retrofit program – the
fitting of devices to target vehicles.
NOISE CAMERA
The RTA’s work on diesel emission testing supports the Clean Fleet program launched in June 2006
with the aim of reducing diesel vehicle emissions.
To help reduce engine brake noise,
the RTA also commissioned the
construction of a second generation
‘noise camera’ system, based on the
system originally developed by South
Australian Transport.This ‘noise camera’
has been deployed to a number of
locations to collect engine brake noise
data and to assess the potential for
using this technology as an enforcement
device.
POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL AND URBAN DESIGN OUTCOMES 53