Study Backs Roadside Sensors for Smog Checks
States could monitor auto emissions far more efficiently by replacing existing inspection programs with high-tech, roadside sensors that use infrared beams to analyze exhaust fumes and snap photos of offending vehicles, according to a public policy research group.
In a report to be released today, the Washington-based Cato Institute says that roadside sensors would maintain environmental standards at one-fifth the cost of state-run inspection and maintenance programs. The proposed system would no longer require motorists to get periodic inspections.
California is testing the remote-sensing devices to flag polluting vehicles, although state officials have no plans to eliminate the emission inspection program.
“Emissions programs currently required by the Clean Air Act are unpopular and inefficient,” said Daniel B. Klein, a Cato analyst. “Adoption of remote-sensing programs would be a boon to drivers everywhere and would better meet environmental goals by identifying the gross polluters.”
Although Cato said that its recommendations are based on proved technology, other environmental specialists and interest groups reacted warily.
“It’s great in theory, but it will never happen,” said Bill Andrews, a spokesman for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at UCLA. Andrews said that the remote sensing devices, first developed by the military more than a decade ago and now used to study atmospheric chemistry, are not “a robust enough system” to accurately account for subtle differences in auto emissions. In addition, roadside monitoring could draw opposition from those who object to increased government oversight, Andrews said.
Dan Becker, director of the Sierra Club’s global warming and energy program, insists that the concept of remote testing is a “fallacy” that would fail to ensure adequate detection of polluting vehicles.
State-regulated emission inspection programs, such as Smog-Check in Los Angeles, are mandated by the Clean Air Act. The Cato study asserts that current tests are ineffective because some motorists are able to able to sneak polluting vehicles through the system by tampering with them before the biennial inspections or by bribing private inspectors.
Remote sensors monitor emissions by shining an infrared beam across a roadway. As each vehicle passes by, the gases in its exhaust distort the beam, allowing a sensor to determine the concentration of pollutants. Meanwhile, a camera automatically snaps a picture of the license plate.
Motorists whose vehicles exceed legal pollution limits could receive a citation in the mail, the study proposes. They might be given time to repair the vehicle before facing a fine.
The California Department of Consumer Affairs has put 10 remote-sensing devices in various locations as part of a statewide emission reduction plan. Owners of cited cars receive “friendly” notifications by mail encouraging them to get free inspections at state facilities. When the program is fully implemented in March or April, the inspections will become mandatory.
