MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - There are now questions about whether the check engine light problem that has plagued Memphis drivers for months could have been solved a long time ago.
"I recall hearing it several months ago, and you know it was a mere mention of asking for the documentation and you saw it in writing," said Memphis City Council member Wanda Halbert.
Halbert led the push several weeks ago to have the city move away from relying solely on the check engine light to determine if a vehicle passes or fails an inspection test.
On Monday, the city agreed with Halbert changing policies.
Now, if a vehicle's check engine light is on, the vehicle will be tested for emissions through a test of its tailpipe.
"We were ready before yesterday but we wanted to check out and make sure we had all of the answers," said George Little, Chief Administrative Officer for the city.
Mayor A C Wharton says the answers came in the form of a letter.
"I received correspondence over the weekend, finally got something in writing where they said we see what you are doing," said Mayor Wharton.
A letter sent by a top administrator at the Environmental Protection Agency to Congressman Steve Cohen in early March appears to say the same thing.
The administrator calls the check engine light program "discretionary," adding the program can be a "cost effective alternative to tailpipe testing."
"The council asking for the documentation and putting everything on hold was a great move because it forced the administration to do the right thing," said Halbert.
