PRINCIPAL POLICIES OF THE TOKYO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT

Restrictions on Diesel Vehicles

Atmospheric pollution in Tokyo has become an extremely serious problem. In particular, the particulate matter (PM) emitted by diesel-powered road vehicles is believed to be carcinogenic, and has also been linked to serious health disorders such as respiratory diseases. For the sake of the health of the citizens of Tokyo, it is time to act.

Diesel Vehicle Exhaust Gas Regulations Enacted through Ordinance on Environmental Preservation

In October 2003, the TMG enacted diesel vehicle exhaust gas regulations based on the Ordinance on Environmental Preservation to Secure the Health and Safety of Citizens of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area (often abbreviated as the Ordinance on Environmental Preservation).

Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures have also drafted regulations similar to those of Tokyo and introduced them at the same time. In this way, the Greater Tokyo Area has emerged as a recognized national pioneer in coming to grips with the challenge of diesel vehicle controls.

This ordinance bans operation in Tokyo of cargo vehicles, buses and other diesel-powered automobiles that fail to comply with specified PM emission standards (for new vehicles, however, a seven-year grace period for compliance is granted from the date of registration). Vehicles not measuring up to these standards must be replaced with low-emission vehicles, equipped with PM reduction systems or otherwise modified.

Promoting Responses to Diesel Vehicle Regulations

To get the regulations off to a smooth start, direct mail notifications were sent out, government automobile investigators provided on-site guidance and advice in places of business, and joint efforts were organized with auto maintenance and repair plants to inform vehicle owners and users of the changes. In addition, small and medium-sized enterprises receive help in securing financing to make the switch to low-emission vehicles or the latest regulation-complying models, subsidies for PM reduction systems and other assistance. For the PM reduction systems, eight prefectures and cities in Japan have cooperated in establishing a PM reduction system designation panel, which has designated the types of devices to be used.

Implementing Effective Diesel Vehicle Regulations

Since launching the regulations, concerted efforts have been made to track down violating vehicles through inspections on the roads and at distribution centers, and through video recording of vehicles and other means. Violators are issued orders banning them from the roads, assessed fines and hit with other penalties. In the interest of steadily reducing the air pollution in Tokyo, the introduction of effective diesel vehicle regulations will be vigorously implemented from here on as well.