§ 42. Mr. StringerTo ask the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the enforcement of vehicle emissions standards by local authorities. [24930]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonSeven local authorities have been given powers under regulations which came into force on 26 December 1997 to enforce vehicle exhaust emissions standards at the roadside. The seven authorities are Birmingham, Bristol, Canterbury, Glasgow,628W Middlesbrough, Swansea and Westminster and offenders will be liable to pay a £60 fixed penalty. We will be reviewing the effectiveness of the regulations over the next twelve months or so with a view to extending the powers to all local authorities.
§ 45. Mr. BradshawTo ask the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the health effects of pollution from road traffic. [24933]
§ Dr. StrangThe Department of Health Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants published a report on 13 January which attempted to estimate the impact on health of air pollution from all sources, including road traffic. The report estimated that air pollution precipitates the deaths of 12,000–24,000 people a year. A copy of the report is in the House Library. Our review of the national air quality strategy will take account of this report and it will look at the prospects for delivering cleaner air more quickly. Proposals for improving the strategy are due at the end of the year. Air quality issues will also form an integral part of our fundamental review of transport policy.