Video identification of smoky trucks

The M5 East Motorway was opened to traffic in December 2001. Since then, traffic in the tunnel has increased to levels that exceed the volumes predicted in the environmental impact assessment. Air quality levels in the tunnel and around the stack have remained within the strict goals set by the Minister for Planning.

The M5 East is an essential transport link in the Sydney region. However, current traffic levels and a high percentage of smoky heavy vehicles using the tunnel contributed to increased levels of ‘haze’ within the tunnel.  Motorists noted this as being particularly evident at the western end of the westbound tunnel.

Graphs of truck emissions in 2006 (click on the graph below to enlarge) showed the number of heavy vehicles travelling through the M5 East tunnel and the levels of haze in the tunnel, particularly in the westbound tunnel.

The main effect of haze in the tunnel is a reduction in amenity for drivers and the concern about health risk. Studies confirm that the most cost effective way to reduce the number of particles in the air in the tunnel is to deal with the main source of vehicle particles, the smoky heavy vehicle.

Graph: Weekday haze and truck levels - February 2006

Government progress to date

• Video identification of pollution-causing heavy vehicles and the Clean Fleet Program are ongoing.
• Improved ventilation flow with an extra 12 jet fans installed in December 2006.
• Construction of the air filtration plant commenced in June 2008 and is scheduled for completion in late 2009.
• The trial operation is expected to commence in early 2010.

The number of tunnel closures resulting from carbon monoxide levels has decreased by more than 70%.

Left graph: Better management of tunnel air since 2004.
Right graph: M5 East westbound average tunnel haze decreasing over time.

Smoky trucks

A $1 million video identification system comprising four video and two still cameras has been installed and commenced operation in June 2006. This system monitors and identifies smoky trucks.

What happens when a smoky vehicle is identified by the video cameras on the M5 East?

The evidence of the smoky vehicle is forwarded to the Department of Environment and Climate Change for action.

How many vehicles have been detected by the video cameras on the M5 East?

From June 2006 to September 2008 there have been 4943 detections by the camera (including multiple detections of the same vehicles).

During the six month moratorium (June to December 2006) 248 vehicles were identified belonging to 122 operators. Sixty-seven vehicles took advantage of the six month moratorium to have their vehicles assessed, tested, repaired and re-tested.

Repeat offenders can expect fines of up to $22,000 for individuals and $44,000 for corporations. The message is clear – it’s time to come clean!

Cleaner vehicles

As part of its commitment to continually improve air quality, the RTA is dedicated to reducing the impact of motor vehicles on the environment.  The RTA represents key NSW industry bodies to develop emission reduction programs and improve fuel quality standards.

The RTA continues to push at a national level for programs to reduce emissions from vehicles. The Australian Government is progressively introducing tougher emission standards for petrol and diesel vehicles in line with stringent European standards. Fuel quality standards have been introduced to help get the maximum emissions reductions from new engine technology. 

The RTA has investigated the use of alternative fuels and has been involved in trials and testing the emission performance of various fuels. It also supports research into new engine and vehicle technology such as exhaust after-treatment devices that are used in the NSW Diesel Retrofit Program.

As a result of tougher vehicle emission and fuel quality standards, emissions from cars and trucks will continue to decline over the next ten years, continuing the trend of the last 30 years.

Click here for more vehicle emissions information.