§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 22 November,Official Report, column 118, if he will quantify the levels of resources devoted to emission checks over the last three financial years, and so far in this financial year.
§ Mr. NorrisResources devoted specifically to emission checks over the last three years and to the end of October 1994 were:
Year Hours 1991–92 6,029 1992–93 6,373 1993–94 8,082 1 April 94 to 31 October 94 12,413 1994–95—budget 8,423 1 Excluding blitz checks commencing 2 November 1994. However, all of the 200,000 or so roadworthiness enforcement spot checks to be carried out by the Vehicle Inspectorate this year will include at least a visual check for excessive emissions.
§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport further to his press release 397 of 20 October,34W if he will publish a table showing (a) the specific dates on which additional vehicle checkpoints have been set up in London to test vehicle emissions and for each date, (b) the number of staff operating such checkpoints, (c) the total number of hours spent at each checkpoint by staff, (d) the number of vehicles stopped, (e) the number of vehicles tested, (f) the number and percentage of vehicles that were deemed to be unsatisfactory and (g) action taken by staff against vehicles which were deemed to be unsatisfactory.
§ Mr. Norris[holding answer 2 December 1994]: The London emission blitz took place between 2 and 10 November using four inspectors working a total of 30 hours, on each of 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9 and 10 November. Results are still being complied and I will make an announcement about them shortly.
§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, further to his press release 397 of 20 October, what make and type of equipment were used by vehicle inspectors to carry out spot checks of vehicle emissions; what criteria were employed to determine whether emissions were of a satisfactory level; and what immediate sanctions or penalties were applied to prevent unsatisfactory vehicles from continuing on the road.
§ Mr. Norris[holding answer 2 December 1994]: The FKI Crypton 284 CO/HC emission meter was used for petrol engines and the Sum ASA 200 smoke meter for diesels. Where emissions obscured vision or were likely to cause a danger to other road users vehicles were prohibited from continuing their journey. In less serious cases, the effect of the prohibition was delayed for up to 10 days to allow time for remedial action.
§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport further to his press release 397 of 20 October, how many additional staff were specifically newly recruited or reallocated from other duties to carry out spot checks on vehicle emissions at check points in London.
§ Mr. Norris[holding answer 2 December 1994]: Twenty-four man days were allocated to this work. All the inspectors involved were temporarily redeployed from other duties.