Car dealers have welcomed the move by the Government to clean up the air with tough new pollution controls.

Environment Minister Irving Pearman wants to introduce vehicle emission standards matching those currently employed in the US and Europe. It would mean cleaner car exhausts and tightening controls on motorcycles, with the addition of catalytic converters to cars.

Dealers have said they are happy with the plan that would see cleaner air and less pollutants, but added that it could mark up the price of a new car by about $500.

And any new law could lead to some models being taken off the Island's roads altogether.

Jeff Stirling, manager of Continental Motors in Pembroke, said: "I'm not sure if we can fit catalytic converters to old models so I don't think the Government would make any new law retroactive -- the old models would just gradually die out.

"But if we had to start importing cars that had converters already fitted, you are talking about an extra $500 - and that's before duty.'' Jonathan Brewin, general manager of Ray Brothers Ltd., said the firm is currently researching with the manufacturers the fitting of catalytic converters.

He said cars currently imported already have a general emission specification.

A few actually come with converters fitted -- usually at the request of a customer -- making the vehicle more expensive.

Converters are fitted on the exhaust system to clean up harmful emissions that are pumped into the atmosphere -- thus reducing the risk of ill-health from air pollution.

Ray Brothers, which imports makes such as Opel, Volkswagen and Nissan, would have to work with the manufacturers to ensure that models were still available, he said.

"Customers will welcome the tougher laws,'' he said. "Some people may not know what catalytic converters can do but I am sure if they fully understand it they will support it.'' Anthony Steede, operations manager of Bermuda Motors Ltd., said if the Government adopted measures such as those utilised in California, then Bermuda would have some of the toughest pollution laws in the world.

He added that everyone would welcome a move to look after the environment and protect the health of its population.