§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he intends to take to reduce PM10 particulate emissions from exhaust fumes.
§ Mr. KeyThe Government are supporting EC measures to cut particulate emissions from road transport which are produced mainly by diesel-engined vehicles. Limits were introduced in December 1992 for new cars and in October 1993 for new heavy trucks and buses. These will be reduced by over 40 per cent. for passenger cars from January 1997 under EC proposals, and by 50 per cent. for heavy vehicles from October 1996, under a directive already adopted. We are participating in discussions in the EC on further tightening of heavy diesel limits for the year 2000.
The limits apply to the total mass of particulates emitted and not just to PM10 in isolation. Evidence indicates however that this method is a reliable way of limiting PM10 levels.