§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Minister of Transport what discussions he has had regarding the implementation of regulations for lorries on smoke emission and noise; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeMy Department has recently been considering with industry how to improve the assessment of smoke emissions from diesel-engined vehicles on the roads. We hope eventually to introduce an objective technique for measuring smoke emissions which will make it easier to enforce the regulations effectively.
Proposals for stricter noise limits for all classes of vehicles have recently been circulated for comment to interested bodies, including the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and the Noise Advisory Council. The environmental impact of lorries is among the matters for consideration by the committee of inquiry under Sir Arthur Armitage which is looking into the wider economic and environmental implications of the growth in road freight.