Ontario's roads could get greener next spring. The provincial government's plan to issue green licence plates to drivers who purchase environmentally friendly cars and trucks is strong in many ways. It avoids the paternalistic levies the federal government now imposes on those buying gas-guzzling vehicles and provides self-serving motives to those less concerned about the environment. There is even speculation that the highly visible new plates of proud eco-friendly drivers could put peer pressure on those who have not yet made the switch. Yet for all its benefits, the plan is fraught with red flags.
The proposed benefits for green plate holders, such as free street parking and access to commuter lanes, are potentially strong incentives to car buyers. But they have not yet been approved, and the program would not come into effect until well after the Oct. 10 election. Given that the government has not set a date to announce the plan's rewards, voters might have to re-elect the Liberals just to find out what the benefits would be.
Driving to the United States could pose a minor problem because of plans in Wisconsin, Ohio and Alabama to introduce green plates on the vehicles of sex offenders. All
Virginia licence plates are already green, and the Ontario government has assured the public that their plates would have a distinct shade, but one can nevertheless envision some rather awkward family holidays south of the border.
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The plan's major hurdle is highlighted by the federal ecoAuto rebate program, which draws arbitrary lines of eco-friendliness, sometimes between cars with consumption levels that differ by as little as 0.2 litres of gas consumed per 100 kilometres - much to the ire of manufacturers left on the outside looking in. Light trucks can consume roughly 33 per cent more fuel than some excluded cars and still qualify for rebates. The biggest conundrum comes from cars capable of burning 85-per-cent ethanol fuel. They can be significant polluters when using regular gas, and E85-equipped stations remain rare, but the cars are nonetheless ranked as eco-friendly.
The federal government's cardinal sin was failing to consult auto makers before fixing their guidelines. By contrast, the Ontario government has promised consultations with both manufacturers and environmental groups. Assuming the obstacles are addressed, the strategy could be one that all motorists could live with - enticing them to go green without rapping them on the knuckles if they choose not to.
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