§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many motor vehicles have been checked for dirty emissions during 1991; how many prosecutions resulted; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleAnnual roadworthiness tests of cars, goods vehicles and buses, of which there are some 19 million a year, include an emissions check. Such checks were introduced for cars and light goods vehicles in November 1991. Vehicles fail tests if emissions exceed the relevant limits. In addition, in 1991–92 the vehicle inspectorate checked smoke emission during inspections of 313,781 heavy goods vehicles and 32,441 public service vehicles, and 4,778 heavy goods vehicles were subject to smoke-only checks. The inspectorate's policy is to prohibit a vehicle which is smoking excessively, although separate figures for prohibitions for this defect arc not available. The police also have the power to inspect vehicle emissions and to prosecute if they see fit.