A motorcycle (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Apr. 30 (Korea Bizwire) – Mandatory emission tests last year on 189,000 motorcycles in South Korea prevented the release of 98.5 metric tons of air pollutants, the government’s transportation safety agency reported on April 29.
The reductions included 63 metric tons of carbon monoxide, 19.3 tons of particulate matter, 10.5 tons of nitrogen oxides and 5.7 tons of hydrocarbons, according to the Korea Road Traffic Authority (KoRoad).
Considering that a single tree can absorb about 35.7 grams of particulate matter annually, the motorcycle emissions inspections had the equivalent benefit of planting around 540,000 trees, the agency said.
The inspections also generated net economic benefits of 2.81 billion won last year by preventing pollution-related health impacts and other costs, the authority said. The total benefits were valued at 10.68 billion won, outweighing the 7.87 billion won in operating costs.
South Korea’s motorcycle emission testing program started in 2014 for larger motorcycles and later expanded in 2021 to include medium and smaller engine displacements.
“We will work harder to improve the inspection system so that motorcycle tests can improve not just public safety, but also contribute more to improving air quality,” said KoRoad head Kwon Yong-bok.
The agency did not disclose details on test methods or emissions limits applied to different vehicle classes.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
