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Phase-in of new auto test resumes in April, officials pledge to prevent system shutdown

By RALPH SIEGEL, Associated Press Writer

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- State transportation officials promised Friday that when the kinks are worked out of a tougher emissions test and it is implemented again, motorists will not have to wait in line for hours at inspection stations like they did in December.

To avoid systemwide failures, the test will be gradually phased in at various inspection stations. State officials will closely monitor the shift by Parsons Infrastructure and Technology, said Dick Kamin, director of the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Phase-in of the enhanced test and of safety tests will begin soon at the 15 busiest stations.

If problems arise as these stations make the transition, officials should know it before there can be widespread failures -- and the accompanying long lines and frayed nerves of motorists and short tempers in the governor's office and Legislature.

Transportation Commissioner James Weinstein said the state has given Parsons Infrastructure until June 30 to complete the transition, but he said his office will watch progress closely and react swiftly to snafus. His agency was criticized for failing to monitor the company's progress leading to the December problems.

Waits this month have been an average of 13 to 21 minutes, depending on the station and type of test being used, Weinstein said.

Currently, 32 Division of Motor Vehicles inspection stations are conducting tests in 110 lanes, but nearly half of those lanes have been using the old emissions and safety tests since January. They reverted to the old tests to cut waiting times.

The updated test was kept in place at the rest of the stations and wait times there have been reduced as equipment problems were corrected and computer documentation of cars was simplified.

Weinstein said he expects five to 10 of the lanes using the old test to switch back to the newer test in April. The enhanced test measures tailpipe emissions in conditions that simulate driving, while the old test is applied to cars that are idling. The new version also tests for a broader range of pollutants.

AP-ES-03-17-00 1752EST< 

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