Government has issued the following information to the public following the start of emissions testing yesterday.

TCD wants all motorists to be aware of the following:

New inspectors from Bermuda Emissions Control Ltd. (BECL) will carry out vehicle inspections but the Transport Control Department (TCD) will retain oversight of the operation;

The new entrance for North Street vehicle examinations is at the eastern end of the building across from the Flying Chef and House of India restaurants;

BECL personnel are on hand early in the morning to direct traffic as to where customers should line up for the early morning testing from 7 a.m.;

All vehicle appointments made before April 6 will be honoured;

From April 13, the Rockaway facility will open on Mondays and Tuesdays. The Southside facility will operate on Thursdays and Fridays;

From early next month, both Rockaway and Southside will be open five days per week. BECL will notify the public in advance of these changes.

For appointments contact BECL by calling 236-4232 or www.etcd.gov.bm.

Yesterday Donal Smith, one of BECL's directors, said that comments from a member of the public printed in The Royal Gazette yesterday were incorrect.

Defending the BECL facility, Mr. Smith pointed out that the appointments system only started yesterday, so for the motorist to state: "There are going to be a lot of people unable to test their car in time to renew their licence", was misleading.