§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what studies his Department has initiated into the consequences of catalytic converters operating at below optimal temperatures; and if he will make a statement. [55571]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Department's research programme has produced Transport Research Laboratory Report 270 "Environment Traffic Management: A Review of factors affecting cold start emissions". The objectives of the review were to investigate the factors affecting the definition and measurement of cold start emissions and to suggest how emissions models might better account for them. With a view to helping local authorities develop plans for local Air Quality Management Areas, where these are required under the Environment Act 1995, the Department also plans to let a two year research contract, starting early next year, aimed at assessing the effects of cold starts on parking control strategies.