HC Deb 17 March 1960 vol 619 c1455
6. Mr. D. Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions were initiated by the Metropolitan Police in 1959 for the offence of emitting smoke from diesel-engined vehicles to the danger of other road users.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. David Renton)

There were seventy-two prosecutions in the Metropolitan Police District in 1959 under the Regulation which makes it an offence in certain circumstances to use a motor vehicle which emits smoke. No record is kept of the types of vehicles concerned.

Mr. Smith

Will my hon. and learned Friend bear in mind the fact that these offences are by no means on the decrease? They cause considerable annoyance to road users, especially in the Greater London area. Will he ask his right hon. Friend to use his influence to persuade the police to take a little more active interest in this matter?

Mr. Renton

In the Metropolitan area, to which the Question refers, this is a matter for the Commissioner and he is anxious to enforce the law in this respect.