This is a letter I wrote on Aug.28, 2006 to the Victoria News in response to a previous letter (from a friend of mine -- who occasionally lights up a cigarette, and who absolutely disagrees with my pro-development stance, but hey, that's the beauty of sociability, eh?): the other writer noted that we're about to ban all smoking on public patios, cafes, etc., but we do nothing about car and truck exhaust emissions. She was thinking about cars generally, but I jumped on this to harp on one of my pet peeves, namely that Victoria has no standards or tests for automobile exhausts since the provincial government got rid of same some time ago. This drives me crazy. When we first moved back here, some stupid woman actually had the nerve to say that it doesn't matter here because "it all blows away." Yeah, what bubble do you live in, bubble-brain? Anyway, this letter was published:

August 28, 2006 to Victoria News (published):
Dear Editor,

Brava to the letter writer who pointed out that while we talk about banning smoking on outdoor patios, we have neglected doing anything about some of the automotive traffic that spews dangerous pollutants straight into our lungs. I find it very surprising that vehicles registered in the CRD aren't required to have an annual test for exhaust emissions levels, and that there are no minimum standards that must be maintained. Someone told me that requiring such testing would be onerous for the poor, the implication being that they're the ones driving the old beaters with the blue smoke pouring from tailpipes. But that's specious, for excessive emissions due to inadequately tuned vehicles is not just a poor person's problem.

For example, ever try riding your bike behind one of the doubledecker tour buses that cruise along the scenic drive? Those buses are among the worst offenders, and it doesn't seem right that tourism businesses should be allowed to mutilate the health of residents. Ditto trucks, front loaders, and other vehicles used in the construction industry. Sorry, these aren't the vehicles of "the poor," they are business vehicles and their dreck should be reduced. By law. The same rule should hold for new cars that are improperly maintained, or any automobile using the roads anywhere in the region. Require an annual sticker that proves you had your car checked and have met clean air standards. If you're stopped without a current sticker attached to your windshield, be prepared to cough up a fine. At least it will keep us from coughing and choking on your fumes.

Sincerely,
Yule Heibel