Higher emission standard for new motorbikes and scooters

By David Ee, The Straits Times, 2 Oct 2014

THE emission requirement for new motorcycles and scooters has been raised from Euro I to the Euro III standard in an effort to improve Singapore's air quality.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said yesterday that adopting this new standard will lower levels of air pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide in an effort to meet World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines by 2020.

It reiterated that it is strictly enforcing these standards, and acting against motorcycles that emit smoke.

Figures show that about 1,800 motorcyclists in each of the past three years - and about 800 this year to date - have been sanctioned for emitting smoke.

Most of these incidents were caused by engine problems, clogged exhaust systems or excessive amounts of lubricant oil used.

There were about 144,000 motorcycles on Singapore roads in 2012, according to latest figures.

Drivers and owners of vehicles spotted emitting smoke can be fined up to $5,000.

NEA added that it has been working closely with authorised vehicle inspection centres Vicom, JIC and STA to ensure motorcycles comply with the law.

Emissions from motor vehicles are a major source of urban pollution in Singapore and other cities worldwide.

The nation adopted WHO guidelines on air quality as a target in 2012. It is aiming to meet these targets by 2020 for the air pollutants sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, PM2.5 and PM10.