Re: First they came for the clunkers......

Posted by Dave Kenney On 2009/1/20 19:55:47

In Ontario the government is offering $300 as an incentive to owners of cars built before 1996 to have them scrapped! The argument is of course that pre 1996 cars pollute more than newer cars. I think the real agenda is to encourage people to buy new cars to help the ailing auto industry which is the number one industry in this province. It would not surprise me that if this incentive programme fails the next step will be legislating old cars off the road altogether with the exception of antiques which will be regulated as to where they can be driven and when. I drive a 1983 Volvo 240 which I realize is a more polluting car than anything being built today but I live in a small city and drive it about 5000 Kilometers (3000miles) per year or less. Where and when I can I walk or bike and really am concerned about our global environment. Will I help save the world by buying a new car? I think if the government wants to really get serious about auto pollution the first concern should be to develop more urban passenger rail systems to help alleviate the traffic volumes commuting in and out of cities. A old parked car isn't polluting when it isn't being driven but is a convenient scapegoat.