15 Nov 2007

American Samoa considers banning four-wheel drives

7:02 pm on 15 November 2007

American Samoa's governor has reiterated calls for a ban to import and use of four-wheel drive vehicles and pick-up trucks from 2008.

The government aims to restrict imports to fuel-effcient vehicles in a bid to fight global warming and climate change.

Our correspondent in Pago Pago, Monica Miller, says the plan was first publicised during an environment conference in August.

She says the government's proposal is to add fuel efficient hybrid cars to its fleet, and vehicles over 10 years would be banned.

"I mean the way the executive order came out it was for the government to ban, and government agencies to ban and they would not purchase any four wheel drive vehicles."

Monica Miller.

Governor Togiola Tulafono spoke at this week's Pacific Community conference in Samoa, saying it is one way the territory could contribute to global efforts to save the environment.