6Strategic context for the management of emissions from diesel vehicles

6 Strategic context for the management of emissions from diesel vehicles

Diesel vehicles make a disproportionately high contribution to NOx and particle air pollution from the transport sector. The diesel vehicle proportion of the transport fleet is increasing and this trend is expected to continue. Emissions from diesel vehicles have the potential to cause adverse health effects and detract from urban amenity.

The National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure 1998 provides national air quality standards for six criteria pollutants. The criteria pollutants include PM10 and nitrogen dioxide, of which diesel vehicles are a significant emission source.

Jurisdictions should assess the need for the management of emissions from in-service diesel vehicles as a strategic option for:

• reducing the exposure of the community to criteria pollutants, smoke and any other negative impacts associated with emissions from diesel road vehicles; and
• achieving the goal of the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure.