More smoke testers in Metro eyed

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is confident that it could put up enough Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) facilities by next year.

DOTC Undersecretary Arturo Valdez said the biggest hindrance to the full implementation of the program is the lack of centers that will check the smoke emission of the three million motor vehicles nationwide.

"We need 208 MVIS nationwide. We hope to put them in place before the year 2003 ends. At present, we still have to rely on private emission testing centers that’s why we couldn’t implement the program fully," he said.

The DOTC began its smoke emission-testing program in Metro Manila in October but suspended it last Friday amid criticisms from various transport groups.

The DOTC cited motorists’ lack of time to calibrate their vehicles’ diesel engines and the economic crunch facing the country as reasons for the program’s stoppage. The program will resume in January.

The program forms part of the Clean Air Act which was passed three years ago to reduce air pollution in the country.

At present, the DOTC has only two MVIS facilities in Metro Manila that have four testing lanes each. The metropolis has 1.7 million motor vehicles. – Sheila Crisostomo