Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his Department's policy to take account of the prevailing winds when pollution samples are taken along motorways; and if he will make a statement. [1317]
§ Mr. NorrisWhenever air quality monitoring is undertaken, the possible effect of the prevailing wind is taken into account as part of the measurement.
Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport at what distance from the edge of a motorway sampling is taken for PM10 and particulates. [1316]
§ Mr. NorrisWhere PM 10 and particulates are sampled, there is no fixed distance from the motorway edge applied. The distance is normally set by the requirements of the sampling equipment and the characteristics of the monitoring location.
Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what reports his Department receives from the Department of the Environment in respect of the monitoring of pollution along motorways. [1318]
§ Mr. NorrisWe receive no such reports. The Department of the Environment does not carry out air quality monitoring adjacent to motorways.
148W
Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the terms of reference given by his Department when measuring air quality along motorways. [1315]
§ Mr. NorrisThere are no fixed terms of reference for the measurement of air quality alongside motorways.
Each site is assessed on a preliminary basis in accordance with the design manual for roads and bridges volume 11 "Environmental Assessment" and this informs the need for any further specific measurements.