Vehicle emissions testing started today but some say motorists could be in for a bumpy ride.

Bermuda Emissions Control Ltd. (BECL) officially began its safety and vehicle inspections at TCD but there appeared to be some confusion as to the correct procedure.

One resident said yesterday: "We have a car that expires on April 17. I called to make an appointment and the earliest one in Hamilton was May 19. I was able to get one at Rockaway for April 27.

"There is some confusion about the early morning line-up. In the past you could drop your car at TCD the night before and line it up to be tested first thing in the morning.

"With the new testing facility they are not sure that system will be available since the gate of the parking lot will be closed at night. They suggested I call (today) to see what is happening."

He added: "There are going to be a lot of people unable to test their car in time to renew their licence. It looks like you have to book at least six weeks in advance if you want a testing time in Hamilton. If you miss the deadline you have to go to TCD to get a temporary permit to drive the vehicle to the testing facility or face a fine for failure to have your vehicle licensed using the new electronic registration.

"It looks like no one has figured out the logistics and volume of work with the new testing facility."

Yesterday however, Government said that as it is only now establishing an exhaust emissions standard, no vehicle or bike will fail during the first year of testing April 2009-March 2010.

Government outlined the procedure for motorists, saying such testing would help the environment by cutting down on emissions which cause greenhouse gases. Exhaust gases include carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides.

Premier and Transport Minister Ewart Brown said: "This is the culmination of years of hard work dating back to 1989. I salute the principals of BECL for their persistence. They are proving that good transport technology can enhance our Country's health and environment in line with a global mission to protect the earth."

Health Minister Nelson Bascome said: "It's good to see Bermuda catching up to the rest of the world with our new emissions programme. We have seen an increase in asthma cases over the past few years, and hopefully now we can see that trend reverse."

Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney added: "I believe this programme will help renew interest in our environment and we will realise just how vital ecosystems and the food chain is to our existence."

Stuart Hayward, chairman of the Bermuda Environmental and Sustainability Taskforce (BEST), said: "This facility will no doubt be welcomed by all environmentalists as it will boost our ability to detect vehicular pollutants at source, whether they be gases, particulates or noise.

"However, the benefit to the environment will only become a reality if this boost for detection is matched by enforcement of emissions and noise regulations."

Liz Boden of Open Airways said: "This is something Open Airways has been working towards for a very long time as our motto is 'Helping Bermuda Breathe'. We commend BECL on this milestone."

Government contacted BECL in 2001 to conduct a sampling of vehicles to determine the scope of exhaust emissions. Sampling indicated that if extrapolated, the figures would imply 70 percent of vehicles in Bermuda would not meet the emission standards of North Carolina, US.

A BECL spokesman said: "Extensive research with industry experts on global emissions control issues and practices, collected over seven consecutive years by BECL, is being used to develop Bermuda's Exhaust Emissions Standard.

"BECL has also conducted extensive research and completed numerous site visits to testing facilities in Canada, the United States and Great Britain. As a result, BECL has been able to develop a state-of-the-art testing facility that maximises the objectivity of the testing process and offers efficient service to both vehicle owners and TCD."

BECL's directors include Dennis Correia, Donal Smith, Joel Madeiros, and Sally-Anne Dowling. Mr. Correia is the owner of Correia Construction and husband of former PLP candidate Jane Correia. Mr. Smith is Dr. Brown's cousin.

BECL director of Operations Ian Hind said the $14 million testing centre would combine the best elements of the UK's MOT test with the latest technology from the US.