Taiwan Quick Take: Diesel checks stepped up

The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) is stepping up emission checks on diesel vehicles using the country's freeways. The EPA said that since the start of the month, it has mobilized environmental protection agencies and the police to monitor emissions from diesel vehicles at freeway exits and toll stations. If, because of safety reasons, the vehicles cannot be pulled over for inspection and photographs show they are releasing excessive pollutants, owners of the vehicles will be told to go to designated locations to have their vehicles inspected. Those who fail the tests will be fined between NT$1,500 and NT$60,000 (US$45-US$180) and given a period of time to get their vehicles fixed. Suspended particles now account for one-third of all poor air quality days, with diesel vehicles the major offenders.