AASA Mounts War on Pollution

Publication date: 22 October 2007

The recent surge in road development and tourism in South Africa has raised complex challenges for the country's auto club.

South Africa is currently experiencing buoyant economic conditions, and for the past three years new vehicle sales and infrastructure development have broken all records. However, the development of road and communication networks required to support vehicle population growth of more than 25 per cent each year, plus the growth of tourism, has impacted on the environment.

The incremental air and noise pollution as a result of these developments calls for greater awareness of environmental issues amongst all members of the community, and AA South Africa (AASA) lends its active support to structured inclusion of environmental considerations in decisionmaking on matters that affect the interests of motorists.

For the AASA, the term 'environment' covers a number of areas. Firstly, the natural environment such as fauna, flora and the habitat. Secondly, the peoples' environmental amenities, such as their household and their local environment, which should be free from danger as well as noise, visual and atmospheric pollution. And thirdly, the economic and social aspirations which people have, such as the personal benefits that car ownership and mobility can bring to the individuals and families.

So what is AASA doing with regard to environmental issues as the motorist's watchdog in South Africa?

In 2004, the government announced its intention to discontinue sales of leaded petrol and high sulphur-content diesel fuel from the start of 2006. AA South Africa was part of the Communications Steering committee that oversaw the changeover to unleaded petrol and low sulphur diesel.

Needless to say, vociferous debates were held regarding certain additives to petrol. Issues around lead replacement petrol compatibility were discussed at length and eventually, when the time came, a smooth phase out of leaded fuel was achieved. Today, evidence of new Euro 3 and Euro 4 type engines in South Africa show the benefits of the changeover to unleaded and higher octane fuels.

The AA itself runs a fleet of 150 service vehicles. Most of these are fitted with liquid petroleum gas (LPG) conversion kits which allow for the use of both petrol and LPG. This achieves two objectives. It lowers operating costs to the business and produces cleaner emissions with substantially less carbon in the air.

In October 2008, the AA intends entering a vehicle, built by the club, in the inaugural South Africa Solar Challenge. This will take solar powered cars on a 4,200 km trip around South Africa. Depending on funding, the club aims to devote substantial attention on alternative energy usage and hopes to gain support for increased renewable energy sources within the motor industry in South Africa.