(image: Yonhap)
CHANGWON, Aug. 27 (Korea Bizwire) — The government of South Gyeongsang Province announced on Saturday that it will be using remote sensing devices (RSD) to verify vehicle emissions in an effort to help improve air quality in the province as public concern over air pollution continues to grow.
With the help of the Korea Environment Corporation, the checks will be performed at the Samjeong Intersection in Changwon from August 27 to September 14 and at the Chilsan Interchange in Gimhae from September 17 to October 12.
The remote sensing devices allow government officials to verify vehicle emissions without having to stop cars on the street.
When vehicles pass certain spots where the devices are installed, UV and infrared rays scan the emissions to determine their density.
Provincial officials said that infrared rays can determine levels of carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions, while UV rays are used to check for nitric oxide.
Car owners with a vehicle that exceeds permitted emissions levels will be sent a written order asking them to make the necessary modifications to reduce emissions to below the legal limit.
The car owner must consult with an emissions expert and submit the results of a car checkup to the local authorities within 15 days. Failure to do so will result in a 10-day driving ban and other penalties.
Because emission checks are possible without having to physically stop moving vehicles, regulators are able to check more than 2,500 vehicles a day for illegal gas emissions.
The measure is also beneficial because blocking traffic is not necessary to perform the checks, and as such, the entire procedure is safer.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
