City's Air Quality Management Plan Launched

Mayoral Committee Member for Health Services, Councillor Martin Fienies said: "It is the City's aim to improve air quality in all informal settlements with specific emphasis placed on diesel-driven vehicles. Everyone has a role to play and each of us can contribute positively in making Cape Town the city with the cleanest air in South Africa and the world at large".

Although random roadside testing of diesel vehicles is carried out at various testing sites within the boundary of the city it was established that many vehicles are not caught in the net as they do not operate on the routes where testing sites are located.

The City's Manager: Specialised Health Services, Dr Ivan Bromfield said: "The air quality management plan is an important step towards a city putting plans in place to improve air quality. Improved air quality will lead to improved health benefits for all communities".

Free emissions testing will take place at the following sites.

18 April 2006
09:30 - 15:00

• N2, Somerset West, Strand
• Main Road, Gordon's Bay

19 April 2006
09:30 - 15:00

• Off Voortrekker Road, in front of the cemetery, Kylemore
• Off Voortrekker Road, parking area in front of Bellville Sports Stadium, Hardekraaltjie, Bellville

20 April 2006
(09:30 - 12:30)

• Bosmansdam Road, Montague Gardens
• Parking area opposite Suburban Spares, Maitland

21 April 2006
09:30 - 15:00

• Royal Road, Muizenberg
• M5 near Kenilworth Centre, South Bound

24 April 2006
09:30 - 15:00

• Western Boulevard, Green Point
• Klipfontein Road, (next to Athlone Stadium)

25 April 2006
09:30 - 15:00

• Vanguard Drive, Mitchells Plain
• Old Paarl Road, Brackenfell

26 April 2006
09:30 - 12:30

• Modderdam Road, Bellville

The key objectives of the Diesel Vehicle Emissions Project are to change the behaviour of diesel vehicle owners and drivers towards caring for the environment and to educate the public regarding the effects of diesel exhaust emissions on human health.

Issued by:
Lisle Brown
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: 021 400 3065
Directorate: Communication and Marketing
City of Cape Town
Email: media@capetown.gov.za
Tel: 021 400 2201
Fax: 021 957 0023

Media Queries:
Dr Ivan Bromfield
Manager: Specialised Health Services
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 4283