HC Deb 07 November 1991 vol 198 cc190-1W
Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to develop accurate smoke testing protocols for vehicle testing; if this will apply to roadside spot checks; what assessment he has made of the Bosch smokemeter and Lucas Hartridge diesel exhaust smokemeter for this purpose; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

The Government are planning to introduce an instrumented smoke check into the annual roadworthiness test of heavy vehicles next summer. This will replace the current visual check for excessive smoke. Research is currently in progress to help determine the best form of instrumentation and the best method of testing which can also be used for roadside checking. The two instruments to which the hon. Member refers are among those being considered.