§ Mrs. WiseTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he will take to reduce the levels of nitrogen oxides and improve air quality in urban areas.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleAn emissions test was included in the MOT test in November 1991. Tough European Community standards for new cars were introduced on 1 January. This has meant the fitting of catalytic converters to most new petrol-engined cars. A typical vehicle equipped with a catalyst in good condition will reduce its emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen by about 90 per cent. Since 1 September 1992 there has been a metered smoke test in the annual test for heavy diesels. A range of measures is also being implemented to cut traffic congestion and pollution through better traffic management, parking controls and improved public transport. The Department of Transport is also carrying out a wide-ranging study of urban traffic congestion, including the possible role of road pricing.