Controversial standards for car emissions may be reviewed in 2014, after an announcement by Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee yesterday.
The minister also proposes to maintain the present emissions standards, which took effect on January 1, beyond this year.
He plans to update the rules setting emissions standards for vehicles entering New Zealand, with an aim to start gauging public opinion in June.
The minister said proposed changes to the 2007 Vehicle Exhaust Emissions Rule would ensure New Zealand continued to import new vehicles built to the highest available exhaust-emissions standards, and that present standards for used vehicles would remain in place after 2012.
"The current emissions rule does not set any standards for used vehicles beyond 2012. Much has changed since the 2007 emissions rule was first drafted.
"Therefore, I am proposing that we review the need for any further standards in 2014," he said.
Standards for new vehicles would mirror those recently approved in Australia, for the introduction of new European standards.
They would significantly reduce harmful emissions from vehicles, Mr Brownlee said.
Without an amended rule, the Japan 05 standard for used vehicles entering the fleet would cease to apply from the end of 2012, leaving no standard in place for used vehicles.
The proposed amendment continues the Japan 05 standard for used cars, while at the same time proposing a review in 2014 to see whether it should be updated.
The Ministry of Transport expects to release a draft version of the rule for consultation in mid-June. After a standard six-week period of consultation, officials from the ministry and New Zealand Transport Agency will consider submissions and prepare final recommendations.
It is intended Mr Brownlee will sign the amendment rule in early November, to come into effect on January 1, 2013. The Government might then review whether new standards are needed for used vehicles in 2014.
