§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what budget is allocated for enforcing emission standards; how many vehicle owners are fined for failing emission standards every year; and how many light vehicles fail emission standards at road tests every year. [42117]
§ Mr. NorrisThe total budget for vehicle emissions checks in 1995–96 is £621,900, which includes £400,000 for the special emission blitzes we have been running over the past year. Latest figures show that around 16 per cent. of taxis, 4 per cent. of cars, and 8 per cent. of light goods vehicles exceed prescribed emission limits. Offenders are normally given 14 days to obtain a new MOT certificate in order to demonstrate that any roadworthiness defects have been corrected. Most comply and so there is only a very small number of prosecutions.