Diesel vehicles produce about 60 per cent of the particulate matter emitted by road transport and they are increasing as a proportion of the total transport fleet. By 2015 it is expected diesel vehicles will be 15 per cent of the total fleet (up from 9 per cent).
NSW is leading the implementation of the Diesel National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) introduced by the National Environment Protection Council (NEPC) in June 2001.
The diesel NEPM provides a framework to manage diesel emissions and a range of programs to reduce pollution from diesel vehicles. It complements the revised vehicle emission and fuel quality standards.
The NEPM includes guidelines for developing:
- Smoky vehicle programs.
- Emissions test and repair programs.
- An audited maintenance program for diesel vehicles.
- Diesel vehicle retrofit and engine re-build programs.
The Diesel NEPM was developed after research showed that effective regular maintenance considerably reduced emissions from diesel vehicles, including older vehicles. The details of the research can be found at the NEPC website www.ephc.gov.au/nepms/diesel/diesel_intro.html
RTA Emissions Testing and Maintenance Program
A major achievement under the program has been the development of the world’s first diesel emissions test, known as the DT80 test. The parameters tested include opacity, particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen.
With funding support from the Department of Environment and Heritage, the RTA has now tested emissions from 2,000 trucks and buses in a voluntary program with private and government fleets. The worst performing vehicles were repaired and retested with an average exhaust emission reduction of 25 per cent.
Regular vehicle maintenance has shown to be a cost-effective means of reducing emissions from diesel vehicles.
The key areas that can make a significance difference to the diesel emissions are:
- Fuel quality - keep the fuel clean as it affects fuel filters and injectors.
- Engine settings - must be set to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Scheduled maintenance - regular maintenance is required to keep vehicles within specifications.
- Fault settings - systems should be in place to effectively identify and repair faults. Monitor fuel and oil consumption and check for smoke.
Maintenance guidelines have been developed and are now being tested by a number of volunteer fleets. The RTA is using the guidelines as the basis for its Clean Fleet Program for diesel vehicle maintenance (related link above right).
Diesel Emissions Training Course
In conjunction with TAFE NSW the RTA has developed a diesel emissions training course that offers practical advice on the causes of diesel pollution and how emissions can be managed. For course and enrolment information use the related link (above right).
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