§ Mrs. Ann TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what regulations control the emission of diesel smoke from railway engines; which agency is responsible for enforcement; and what action has been taken to control such emissions.
§ Mr. FreemanEmission of dark smoke from railway engines is subject to regulations under section 1 of the Clean Air Act 1956. Enforcement is a matter for local authorities. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, railway engines other than steam locomotives could become subject to statutory nuisance action by local authorities or individuals. Action to control emissions is a matter for operators and the enforcement authorities.