The special unit, officially known as the Vehicle Emissions Eye Unit, operates under the Department of Motor Traffic and has been deployed to secretly monitor vehicles on roads across the country.
Under the new system, officers stationed at strategic locations in major cities will photograph vehicles visibly emitting excessive smoke and issue maintenance orders to owners on the same day using photographic evidence.
Authorities said the initiative replaces the slower roadside inspection method traditionally used during vehicle emission raids.
Officials noted that the new mechanism ensures greater transparency, as photographic evidence minimizes disputes between vehicle owners and enforcement officers. Since vehicles are monitored while in motion, the system also helps avoid traffic congestion caused by roadside inspections.
The Vehicle Emissions Trust Fund said the “Emission Eye” system is expected to be further upgraded in the future and may eventually be linked with automated CCTV camera networks.
Vehicle owners who receive maintenance orders will be required to repair their vehicles and present them to the Vehicle Emissions Centre in Werahera on the specified date.
Authorities warned that vehicles failing to comply with the notice will be blacklisted in the Department of Motor Traffic database, which could create obstacles when obtaining revenue licences or transferring ownership of vehicles.
The Trust Fund further stated that research has shown emissions from vehicles contribute significantly to cancer, respiratory illnesses and heart disease, adding that the project’s ultimate goal is to ensure cleaner air for future generations.
