HC Deb 18 July 1995 vol 263 cc1015-6W
Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals the Government have to limit vehicle emission. [35382]

Mr. Norris

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston (Mr. Miller) on 17 July.

Mr. Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department attaches a higher priority to action against the worst offenders of vehicular emissions; what variation in emissions he has identified according to vehicle type and vehicle age; and what estimates have been made as to the contribution of older cars to the overall emissions. [35383]

Mr. Norris

The Government attach high priority to ensuring compliance with emissions standards for vehicles in service. Emissions are checked both at annual test and at roadside checks. Recent emissions blitz campaigns are evidence of our commitment. Particular attention is given to the worst offenders, who face automatic prosecution. Vehicles of different ages are subject to different legal standards as shown in the table:

Petrol engined cars, light goods vehicles and other vehicles in the main MOT testing scheme:
Application Carbon monoxide Per cent. Hydrocarbons Parts per million
First used on or after 1 January 1983 4.5 1,200
First used on or after 1 August 1975 and before 1 January 1983 6 1,200

For diesel-engined vehicles:
Application Smoke opacity in non-turbo engine Smoke opacity in turbo-engine
First used on or after 1 January 1979 (except taxis) 3.2m-1 3.7m-1
Taxis since 18 April 1995 ditto ditto

No precise estimates have been made of the contribution of older vehicles to overall emissions, but it should be noted that well-maintained older vehicles will be no more polluting than a similarly maintained three-year-old engine and, typically, have a lower annual mileage than new vehicles.