FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
\nDec. 18, 2013<\/p>\n
SIMCOE \u2013 The time is long overdue to scrap the Drive Clean program, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett said in the wake of an announcement Drive Clean fees would be reduced.<\/p>\n
\u201cReducing the Drive Clean fees won\u2019t cut it for Ontario drivers who\u2019ve been forced to fork over their hard-earned money to pay for unnecessary emissions testing for years,\u201d Barrett said. \u201cOntarians know advances in technology and improved fuel standards have rendered the program redundant. It\u2019s time for Drive Clean to be scrapped.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drive Clean was intended as a temporary program with the purpose of reducing vehicle emissions that contribute to smog until advances in fuel efficiency and standards caught up. Evidence shows this goal was reached three years ago as the failure rate dropped from 16 per cent in 1999 to only five per cent in 2010. In addition, the Auditor General pointed out two years ago Drive Clean had no impact on reducing smog.<\/p>\n
With support from the NDP to prop up the program, the Environment Minister announced a $5 reduction in the fees today. Earlier this year, a new computer program was introduced that made passing the tests more difficult.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince the new program was introduced, my office has received an increase in complaints,\u201d Barrett said. \u201cThis program was never intended to make money, but it now has a $19 million surplus. The Liberals are fleecing Ontario drivers.\u201d<\/p>\n
-30-<\/p>\n
For more information
\ncontact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"