Untuned older model cars are responsible for most of the air contamination in the metropolitan area, research shows.
Jalisco Environment Secretary Magdalena Ruiz Mejia stressed that nothing is finalized and the proposal is still in the “discussion stage.” Details of the revamped Verification Vehicular program are still being worked out, she said, and require the input of many experts.
The emissions testing program in Jalisco has been beset by complications, and corruption has plagued the network of the 400 garages and workshops that are certified to carry out the tests, which cost 300 pesos a time. Enforcement has been problematic, with an estimated 70 percent of car owners failing to take their cars for the “obligatory” test. A valid test certificate is not a requirement to obtain a private vehicle’s annual registration document (refrendo), so there is no pressure on car owners to carry out this public duty.