Antigua and Barbuda’s Department of the Environment is proposing new import regulations for motor vehicles to hasten the transition to cleaner energy. They suggest lowering the maximum age limit for imported vehicles to eight years.
This change aims to prevent environmental harm caused by the disposal of older vehicles from major countries like Japan.
Despite the financial allure of cheaper used vehicles, the department emphasizes the long-term environmental impact.
The shift towards eco-friendly transportation is a key focus, reflecting the government’s commitment to sustainability.
Director Diann Black Layne highlights the risks of relying on outdated technology and the challenges of maintaining older vehicles.
The department is also advancing research for the gradual introduction of electric vehicles in government and public transportation fleets.
They’re witnessing a rise in mechanics struggling to repair these new vehicles, leading to a surplus of unusable cars across the country.