I'm sure many of you have heard about the proposed changes to the Drive Clean Program in Ontario. As new car owners, what likely caught your attention is the proposal to postpone testing of new cars from 3 years to 5 years. While it's great that the government has recognized the reliability of modern emissions control equipment, there are other proposed changes that you should be concerned about.

As new car owners, I imagine that a lot of you have not given much thought at this point about what's going to happen to your 350Z or G35 10+ years down the road from now. In fact, many of you will likely not even own a Z or G35 at that point. However, as you know, enthusiasts will continue to desire these cars for decades to come, and indeed, some owners will buy these cars new and keep them for the rest of their lives.

Unfortunately, the proposed changes to the Drive Clean Program would require that vehicles manufactured in 1988 and newer would be subject to emissions testing every year from now until eternity once the vehicle is 12 years old! As the program currently stands, there is a rolling 20 year exemption.

Think about what this will mean to the collector car hobby and the future of the cars you love. The reality is that with Canadian winters, very few cars survive 20 years, and those that do have been well cared for and see little use. The impact of such a car on the environment is negligible. Consequently, maintaining a 20+ year old emissions system, and subjecting it annual testing is a waste of time and money.

SO, GET INVOLVED!!!

Write a LETTER and tell the government what you think of their proposal. This has to been done soon! Your letter should be sent by January 17. For complete information, visit the Specialty Vehicle Association of Ontario Website to learn more:

http://www.corskan.on.ca/svao/Drivecleanalert2005.html

Nigel

 

Good point Nigle

 

Good write up and info. I heard a little bit about the new changes.

IMO, it's easier to make a change by seeing which party stands for what and going with them then it is to change the current party in power's view. I think we are fighting a losing battle with the Librals in power becase... well, they are Librals. They believe in bigger government involvment in everything. Not as much as the NDP, but it is up there in their policy.

The conservatives believe the oppisite, they "say" they want less government intrusion in the citizens lives. Technically, this is one of the biggest difference between a Libral and a conservative views.

I have always voted Librals all my life, But the day I bought a house and started to pay property taxes, I have been leaning towards less government intrusion policy. There are many factors in what my vote will be this month, but I believe this issue goes into the "less government intrusion" category of my decsion.

Disclaimer: No, I don't work for any conservative party ;P

 

Damn Young, you sound like your about to vote for ""Natzi Harper""!!!

 

doesnt NDP want to crack down even more on vehicle emmisions? This is one of my biggest concerns right now as I dont feel our gouvernment should be able to regulate what you drive to the extent that they'd like to.

Emissions tests have always pissed me off. Think of all the unfortunate people who drive a sh#t box car because they have to and its their only means of transportation. If all they could afford was a $400 car, how are they going to be able to dish out another $500 every year when it doesnt pass.

show me where to sign a petition and i'll be the first name on the list

 

Sounds like the government types are taking the plays right out of the California Air Resource Board (how to wreck a car guys day) handbook. The 5 year exemption, the rolling 20 years. Wait, CA does not do rolling 20 any more, recently they locked us in at 1975 model year (lucky for us our stuff never rust).

Chris

 

I'm sure the NDP would do something similar....
I'd like to vote NDP, but I'd be waisting my vote, my main concern is having a certified nut-case (Harper) as the leader of the country.

Cessna (Would rather see Harper as the leader of the opposition for longer to ensure that he's not another Stockwell Day in a costume)

 

Here's a link to the discussion I started on the Toronto Subaru Club forum...

http://www.toronto-subaru-club.com/c...T;f=17;t=30365

Nigel
'73 Datsun 240Z Turbo
'03 Subaru WRX