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Metro Vancouver board opposes AirCare elimination

Concerned phase out by end of 2014 will lead to worse air pollution in region

The Metro Vancouver board is objecting to the province's decision to phase out AirCare testing for regular vehicles by the end of 2014.

The regional district voted June 15 to write to Environment Minister Terry Lake expressing its concerns that the cancellation of the program will erode air quality gains in the Lower Mainland, as motorists are no longer compelled to rein in emissions.

Around 12 per cent of tested cars fail AirCare each year, but most vehicles are exempt from testing because they're relatively new.

Lake has said the province could convert the program to one targeting diesel emissions from large trucks.

The B.C. Trucking Association opposes that idea, saying steady improvements in engine standards are already making truck fleets cleaner.

Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Regional District had previously endorsed an extension of AirCare to at least 2020.