§ 28. Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to reduce exhaust emissions from cars and other vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [23907]
§ Dr. MawhinneyA range of measures has been introduced to reduce vehicle pollution substantially both for new vehicles and by controlling emissions in service. Stringent standards for all new vehicle types which substantially reduce levels of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbon, nitrous oxide and particulates from cars, lorries and buses were introduced from 1993. These promoted the widespread use of catalysts on petrol cars which typically reduce emissions of the main pollutants by 75 to 80 per cent. Diesel cars have to meet the same standards and, additionally, have to comply with a stringent particulate limit. Legislation is already in place for a further tightening which will, in particular, more than halve particulate standards for diesels in 1996. The Government are also playing a leading role in the European Union to secure a further reduction in levels for new vehicles from 2000. These measures will be reinforced by tighter in-service standards for diesel and conventional petrol-engined vehicles from 1 September this year and for catalyst-equipped petrol-engined vehicles from 1 January 1996, together with a continuing intensified roadside enforcement programme to remove the worst offenders from the road.