Written question asked by Christopher Chope (Conservative) on Thursday, 27 October 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 November 2016 (named day). It was answered by Andrew Jones (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 November 2016 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Motor Vehicles: Exhaust Emissions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department has taken to establish the best means by which high-polluting vehicles can be accurately and efficiently identified to facilitate enforcement action.

Answer: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency deals with the front line enforcement of high polluting vehicles. This is primarily dealt with at the annual roadworthiness test, which DVSA administers, where exhaust emissions are checked once a vehicle becomes subject to testing due to its age. If the vehicle fails this test, the vehicle cannot be used on roads until the excess pollution is remedied. DVSA enforce emission outputs from the commercial vehicle fleet. When vehicles are seen to emit visual smoke, enforcement action is taken. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency also operates a Smoky Vehicle hot-line where anyone can report a smoky vehicle online and DVSA will then make follow up enquires about the vehicle.

Secondary information