HC Deb 30 June 1998 vol 315 c121W
Mr. Crausby

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what evaluation his Department has made of the spray suppression procedures for heavy goods vehicles in(a) Portugal, (b) France, (c) Belgium, (d) Germany and (e) Holland. [47768]

Ms Glenda Jackson

None; however, spray from goods vehicles is a problem recognised by several EU member states. Discussions are planned by the European Commission to look at the whole problem.

Mr. Crausby

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to deal with problems arising from spray emanating from heavy goods vehicles; what assessment he has made of the adequacy of current procedures; and if he will make a statement. [47766]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The UK has led the way in the development of spray suppression equipment. Indeed, the standards for EC Directive 91/226EC, on spray suppression, were largely based on the UK requirements. Further development of spray suppression devices has proved difficult because of the problems in accurately measuring spray which makes the assessment of the efficiency of the equipment difficult to gauge. However, spray from goods vehicles is a problem recognised by several EU Member States. Discussions are planned by the European Commission to look at the whole problem.

Mr. Crausby

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to announce the findings of the research undertaken by the Transport Research Laboratory on the measurement of spray from vehicles and its effect on vision. [47767]

Ms Glenda Jackson

A published version of the Report on the research carried out by the Transport Research Laboratory into spray suppression will be available within the next six months. A copy will be placed in the House of Commons Library.