Cape Town air compromised due to 1 million road users
Cape Town is said to have cleaner air than most other cities in our country, but the high number of cars now travelling on its roads is threatening the quality of air in the city, according to IOL News
It’s estimated that as many as 1 million vehicles are now travelling on Cape Town’s roads.
Also read: Cape Town tries to curb air pollution by appealing to residents
The city council’s chief air quality officer, Ian Gildenhuys, told the environment and spatial planning portfolio committee yesterday (6 April 2016) that transport-related emissions are quite significant.
He also said that emissions from industrial areas, like burning wood etc as well as dust from areas of unpaved roads, have contributed to Cape Town’s quality of air.
“Improved fuel quality, electric vehicles and an effective public transport system are the keys to our clean air future. We have lots to do, but it’s work in progress,” said Gildenhuys.
Earlier this year, Cape Town residents were urged to help curb the city’s air pollution by reporting any spotted vehicles that emitted dark smoke.
This was after mayoral committee member for health Siyabulela Mamkeli stated, “Where such vehicles are spotted by the public, the owners are requested to have a free emissions test conducted. Should the vehicle fail the test, a repair notice will be served on the owner, affording them the opportunity to have the vehicle repaired and to submit it for a re-test. Non-compliance can result in the owner being served with a summons.”
Source: IOL News