§ Mrs. Helen JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many inspections of bus emissions have been made in the South Yorkshire area during 1996; and how many of these have resulted in(a) prosecution and (b) a fine; [11047]
(2) if he will list the prosecutions brought and fines levied against bus companies, by region, which have breached the diesel emission limits during each of the past three years. [11048]
§ Mr. BowisI have asked the chief executive of the Vehicle Inspectorate executive agency to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Ron Oliver to Ms Helen Jackson, dated 20 January 1997:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions about the number of inspections of bus emissions made in the South Yorkshire area during 1996; and how many of these have resulted in (a) prosecution and (b) a fine; and the prosecutions brought and fines levied against bus companies by region, which have breached the diesel emissions limits during each of the last three years.478 inspections of bus (PSV) emissions were carried out in the Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire area during the 1995/96 financial year which resulted in the issue of 5 delayed prohibition notices. No immediate prohibitions were issued.It is not usual practice for breaches of PSV emissions limits to be dealt with by a prosecution or fine. The issue of a prohibition notice is considered an effective means of dealing with emissions failures in respect of licensed PSV operators. Prohibition notices issued to licensed operators are available to the Traffic Commissioners to consider whether disciplinary action is required.