3,257 diesel-run vehicles seized in campaign to curb pollution

AMMAN — Authorities have seized 3,257 diesel-run vehicles examined during the last two months for being unroadworthy.

The seized vehicles were among 7,939 diesel-run automobiles examined by the Rangers within a campaign organised between February 2 and March 31 to ensure that cars do not emit excessive amounts of fumes. 

The Rangers examined 14,414 vehicles in total over the past two months, according to a statement received by The Jordan Times.

In addition, 445 tickets were issued to motorists and 135 gasoline-powered vehicles were seized out of the 2,638 that were checked.

According to environmentalists, the quality of diesel produced by the Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company (JPRC) is very poor due to the high percentage of sulphur, which is hundreds of times higher than the allowed limits.

In May 2005, Jordan specified that diesel from the JPRC should have a maximum of 350 parts per notation (ppn) sulphur, but the standard has not been applied, environment experts say, warning that diesel currently produced by the refinery contains 10,000-12,000ppn sulphur.

Diesel exhaust fumes contain pollutants that may increase the risk of asthma, respiratory problems and cancer. Bits of soot, called particulate matter, and gases threaten health when diesel exhaust fumes are inhaled, according to web sources.