HC Deb 03 May 1995 vol 259 cc208-9W
Mr. William O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the effect slow moving heavy duty vehicles have on air pollution. [21671]

Mr. Atkins

The table illustrates that slow moving traffic emits more carbon monoxide—CO—and non methane volatile organic compound—NMVOC—than faster moving traffic. However, the latter emit more oxides of nitrogen—NOx.

Emission factors for road transport (g/km)
Vehicle type Small HGV (<16 litres) Large HGV (>16 litres)
Urban (Average 15–20 mph)
CO 6.00 7.30
NOx 12.60 16.95
NMVOC 6.412 6.78

Emission factors for road transport (g/km)
Vehicle type Small HGV (<16 litres) Large HGV (>16 litres)
Rural Dual (Average 40–50 mph)
CO 2.90 3.70
NOx 16.05 20.04
NMVOC 3.21 3.21
Motorway (Average 60 mph)
CO 2.90 3.10
NOx 16.05 29.04
NMVOC 3.21 3.21

Source:

UK emissions of air pollutants—Gillham et al, Warren Spring Laboratory Report Number: LR 961.