Drive Clean expense drops $5

Starting April 1, vehicle owners will pay $5 less for their Drive Clean emission tests. After 12 years in deficit due to start-up costs, Drive Clean went into surplus in 2011. The province is reducing the test fee from $35 to $30 to make sure the program does not take in more money than it costs to run.

“We are fulfilling a commitment to reduce the Drive Clean test fee for drivers, effective April 1. This fee reduction will ensure Drive Clean is revenue neutral while it reduces automobile pollution and protects public health”, said Jim Bradley, Minister of the Environment.

According to the Ontario Medical Association, smog contributes to 9,500 premature deaths each year. Repairs made to cars and trucks as a result of Drive Clean tests reduce smog emissions by more than one-third.

Ensuring fair prices for government programs and services is part of Ontario’s plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.

Drive Clean has kept more than 335,000 tonnes of smog-causing pollutants from entering the air since 1999, according to the Ministry of the Enviroment.