"Newer makes and models of light-duty vehicles are not the prime source of the blue smoke and pollution experienced on the road today," said Environment Minister Terry Lake.

"When you look at most cars now, they run a lot cleaner than the vehicles rolling off the line when AirCare started in 1992."

The ministry said it will work with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and other stakeholders, to tackle the remaining problem of particulate matter.

A significant amount of particulate comes from large diesel engines, including trucks, excavators, and other heavy equipment.

Large trucks and construction equipment were never subject to the AirCare program.

There were no announcements of specific measures on Thursday.

Currently, AirCare testing costs newer vehicle owners 1992-2006 $46 every two years.

Older vehicles are tested every year at $23 per test.

It is expected that the fee to inspect 1992-2006 vehicles will be reduced in 2014 to make it fair for car owners requiring an inspection in the final year of the program.

The AirCare facility in Maple Ridge is located on Kingston Street in the Maple Meadows industrial area in Hammond.