Tightening Environmental Standards: Older Motorcycles and Diesel Vehicles to Face Restrictions In a bid to improve air quality and protect public health, authorities have announced new regulations that will ban older foreign motorcycles and impose stricter emissions limits on commercial diesel vehicles. Older Foreign Motorcycles Under the new rules, foreign motorcycles manufactured before a certain year will be prohibited from operating on public roads. This measure targets older models that emit higher levels of pollutants, contributing to smog and respiratory issues. The exact cut-off year may vary depending on the jurisdiction, but it is expected to be set within the next few years. Owners of older foreign motorcycles will be required to either dispose of their vehicles or modify them to meet current emissions standards. Commercial Diesel Vehicles Commercial diesel vehicles, such as trucks and buses, will also face stricter emissions limits. The new regulations will require them to reduce their emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), both of which are harmful to human health. The stricter limits will be phased in over a period of time, giving businesses time to upgrade their fleets or implement alternative technologies. Vehicles that fail to meet the new standards will face fines or other penalties. Benefits and Challenges The ban on older foreign motorcycles and stricter emissions limits on commercial diesel vehicles are expected to have several benefits, including: * Reduced air pollution and improved air quality * Decreased health risks associated with exposure to pollutants * Encouragement of more environmentally friendly vehicles However, the new regulations may also present challenges for businesses and individuals. Replacing or modifying older foreign motorcycles can be expensive, while commercial diesel vehicle owners may face higher operating costs due to the need for new equipment or retrofitting. Implementation and Enforcement The authorities responsible for implementing and enforcing the new regulations will work with stakeholders, including vehicle owners, manufacturers, and environmental organizations. Monitoring and inspection programs will be established to ensure compliance. Conclusion The ban on older foreign motorcycles and stricter emissions limits on commercial diesel vehicles are important steps towards improving environmental sustainability and safeguarding public health. While the regulations may pose challenges in the short term, the long-term benefits are significant and will ultimately contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.Tighter Regulations to Curb Air Pollution: Singapore Restricts Older Foreign Motorcycles and Imposes Lower Emissions Threshold for Diesel VehiclesTighter Regulations to Curb Air Pollution: Singapore Restricts Older Foreign Motorcycles and Imposes Lower Emissions Threshold for Diesel Vehicles To enhance air quality, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has announced stringent regulations for foreign vehicles entering Singapore from 1 July 2028. Ban on Older Foreign Motorcycles Foreign-registered motorcycles manufactured before 1 July 2003 will no longer be permitted on Singapore’s roads. This measure, similar to the previous ban on older local motorcycles, aims to reduce pollution caused by these vehicles. Lower Emissions Threshold for Diesel Commercial Vehicles From April 1, 2026, foreign commercial diesel vehicles entering Singapore must meet a lower smoke emissions threshold of 50 Hartridge Smoke Units (HSU). Currently, vehicles with emissions exceeding 60 HSU are barred from entry, while those exceeding 40 HSU receive fines. Benefits of the Regulations These regulations aim to: * Reduce particulate matter and other pollutants emitted by older vehicles * Protect public health by mitigating respiratory ailments * Align with ASEAN standards for transit of goods The NEA emphasizes the importance of these measures in ensuring a cleaner environment for Singapore’s citizens and visitors. Foreign vehicle owners are advised to comply with the regulations to avoid inconvenience at checkpoints.Foreign Motorcycles Ban and Diesel Emission Tightening In an effort to reduce air pollution and improve road safety, the government has announced a ban on the import and registration of foreign motorcycles older than 10 years. The ban will come into effect from January 1, 2024. According to the Ministry of Environment and Transport, older motorcycles emit significantly higher levels of pollutants than newer models. The ban is aimed at phasing out these vehicles and encouraging the adoption of more environmentally friendly ones. In addition to the motorcycle ban, commercial diesel vehicles will face stricter emissions limits from April 1, 2023. The new limits will align with Euro 6 standards, which are currently the most stringent global emissions standards for diesel engines. Vehicles that do not meet the Euro 6 standards will be barred from roads in urban areas, where air pollution levels are highest. Exemptions may be granted for essential services, such as emergency response and public transportation. The government believes that the measures will significantly improve air quality and reduce the number of respiratory illnesses caused by air pollution. It also aims to promote the adoption of cleaner technologies in the transportation sector.