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Free RTA and TAFE course on reducing truck pollution

As part of its push to improve air quality the NSW RTA is running a series of free four-hour TAFE

As part of its push to improve air quality the NSW RTA is running a series of free four-hour TAFE courses for people who work in, on and around heavy vehicles.

The RTA is inviting members of the truck, bus and coach industries in metropolitan and regional NSW to take part in the course at Wetherill Park, Kurri Kurri, Shellharbour, Wagga Wagga and Tamworth TAFE colleges between March and June 2008.

The course offers practical advice on how drivers and operators can reduce truck emissions, improve profitability, and reduce the risk of being fined for environmental breaches.

It is designed for truck and bus owners, drivers and operators; diesel mechanics; and fleet and workshop managers. All participants receive a TAFE NSW Certificate of Attendance.

An RTA spokesman says the course is a State initiative under the Federal Government’s National Environmental Protection Measure (NEPM) for diesel vehicles.

“The course forms an integral part of the RTA’s broad commitment to managing the roads and traffic system in a way that minimises impacts on air quality,” the spokesman says.

“Course participants will learn about the impact of pollution on the environment and how to run cleaner vehicles.

“There will also be an overview of vehicle and fuel standards and enforcement programs and an introduction to the RTA’s audited maintenance program ‘Cleanfleet’.

“Reducing pollution through vehicle maintenance and proper identification of faults are key topics.

“Most people don’t know that the types of problems that are indicated by the presence of smoke from a vehicle exhaust can often be easily and cheaply repaired.

“Education is a key part of our commitment to reduce emissions from diesel vehicles.”

The course syllabus is based on RTA tests on nearly 2,500 fleet buses and trucks, which showed the key factors in diesel maintenance that reduced emissions were fuel quality, engine settings, scheduled maintenance and fault identification.

This information also formed the basis for the RTA’s Clean Fleet Program, an audited maintenance program and course participants can find how to join the Program. Clean Fleet participants are eligible to seek a fuel tax credit (diesel vehicles greater than 4.5 tonnes GVM).

For further information or to book your place in a course, phone TAFE NSW on 1300 651 771.

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