Georgia’s Clean Air Force Receives Record Rating

Georgia's Clean Air Force (GCAF) has received a record high rating -- 9.0 on a 10.0 scale -- from motorists regarding their overall vehicle emission testing experience. The 11th annual emission testing program study has found that motorists were most satisfied with emission testing personnel (9.3/10.0), and also provided high marks for the test's duration, time spent waiting in line, travel distance to the testing location and the testing station's hours of operation.

The results are part of a comprehensive annual study that tracks the awareness and attitudes of motorists regarding Georgia's Clean Air Force and its vehicle emission testing program. More than 300 surveys were administered to a random sample of motorists ages 18 and older who own a model year 1983-2004 gasoline-powered car or lightweight truck.

"An increase in the rating for overall testing experience indicates that our innovative training program for emission inspection station owners, managers and inspectors is working," said Cherrise Boone, public information specialist - Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). "Along with Georgia's Clean Air Force, we are committed to continually refining our processes to ensure motorists are receiving a high level of customer service," she added.

The study also reveals that 97 percent of motorists are aware that keeping their vehicle properly maintained can increase the likelihood of passing inspection. GCAF encourages motorists to follow their manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule.

"Metro Atlanta's population just passed the five million mark, and with more than 100,000 people moving to the area within the past year there is a lot of education to be done regarding the emission testing program," said Boone. "We have several marketing tools in place to increase the public's awareness and understanding of the program, including the revamped www.cleanairforce.com web site, motorist rights posters and Q & A brochures - all of which are available in both English and Spanish," she concluded.