HC Deb 23 April 2002 vol 384 cc182-3W
Mrs. May

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what requirements must be satisfied by diesel rolling stock with regards to levels of(a) nitrogen oxide, (b) carbon dioxide and (c) noise emissions, for use on the UK rail network. [49708]

Mr. Byers

Railways are covered by the following:

  1. (a) policy on local air quality, including emissions of nitrogen oxide, is set out in the UK National Air Quality Strategy. In areas where the Air Quality Objectives will be exceeded from whatever source, the relevant local authority must draw up an action plan to meet the objectives. The levels of emissions along railway lines, however, meet the National Air Quality Strategy targets;
    2. 183W
  2. (b) on carbon dioxide the Government's goal is for transport to reduce its overall impact on the environment thereby contributing to the United Kingdom moving towards a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent. by 2010;
  3. (c) railway noise is covered by the Noise Insulation (Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems) Regulations (1996), and, potentially, the Environmental Protection Act (1990).

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