To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will publish the Government's data
on the level of NOx emissions and other pollutants produced by an (a) diesel and (b)
petrol car registered before 2005 driving at (i) 5mph, (ii) 10mph, (iii) 15mph, (iv)
20mph, (v) 25mph, (vi) 30mph, (vii) 40mph, (viii) 50mph, (ix) 60mph and (x) 70mph.
<p>The Government does not possess this specific data.</p><p> </p><p>The Vehicle Certification
Agency (VCA) has developed databases listing most of the cars and new vans available
for sale in the UK. These databases are available online and inform buyers about the
impact of the vehicle on the environment by giving fuel consumption information or
identifying those that use alternative fuel types; in the car database, identifying
the vehicle excise duty on individual vehicles based on their CO2 emissions; and in
the van database, helping buyers to choose the correct vehicle for their requirements.
The car database also provides information on the air quality pollutants and noise
levels recorded as part of type-approval process but these only confirm that the car
meets the required emissions standard and are not suitable for comparative purposes.</p><p>
</p><p>All national air quality monitoring data is available on the Government’s UK-Air
website, which provides in-depth information on air quality and air pollution in the
UK. A range of information is available, from the latest pollution levels, pollution
forecast information, a data archive, and details of the various monitoring networks.
This website is hosted and maintained by Ricardo Energy & Environment on behalf
of Defra and the Devolved Administrations.</p>
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will publish the Government's data
on the level of NOx emissions and other pollutants produced by an (a) diesel and (b)
petrol car registered after 2005 driving at (i) 5mph, (ii) 10mph, (iii) 15mph, (iv)
20mph, (v) 25mph, (vi) 30mph, (vii) 40mph, (viii) 50mph, (ix) 60mph and (x) 70mph.
<p>The Government does not possess this specific data.</p><p> </p><p>The Vehicle Certification
Agency (VCA) has developed databases listing most of the cars and new vans available
for sale in the UK. These databases are available online and inform buyers about the
impact of the vehicle on the environment by giving fuel consumption information or
identifying those that use alternative fuel types; in the car database, identifying
the vehicle excise duty on individual vehicles based on their CO2 emissions; and in
the van database, helping buyers to choose the correct vehicle for their requirements.
The car database also provides information on the air quality pollutants and noise
levels recorded as part of type-approval process but these only confirm that the car
meets the required emissions standard and are not suitable for comparative purposes.</p><p>
</p><p>All national air quality monitoring data is available on the Government’s UK-Air
website, which provides in-depth information on air quality and air pollution in the
UK. A range of information is available, from the latest pollution levels, pollution
forecast information, a data archive, and details of the various monitoring networks.
This website is hosted and maintained by Ricardo Energy & Environment on behalf
of Defra and the Devolved Administrations.</p>
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has made an assessment of
the potential merits of allocating departmental funding to support the development
of technology to filter toxic particles from vehicle exhausts at source to reduce
air pollution.
<p>No assessment has been made of funding options to meet exhaust emission requirements
as the technology to filter toxic particles from vehicle exhaust systems at source
has already been developed. New diesel vehicles in the UK are fitted with a Diesel
Particulate Filter (DPF) and have been for several years.</p>
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she
has made an assessment of the potential merits introducing legislative proposals on
the use of signage and fines in areas of high pollution to encourage drivers to switch
off their engines while stationary.
<p>Local authorities already have the powers to issue fixed penalty notices of £20
to drivers who allow their vehicle engines to run unnecessarily while the vehicle
is stationary, using powers under the Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed Penalty)
(England) Regulations 2002, and are able to use signage to discourage idling. Local
authorities can also voluntarily introduce Clean Air Zones should they wish to do
so using their powers under the Transport Act 2000. Clean Air Zones can be used to
address vehicle idling.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Given these existing powers,
Defra has made no assessment of the potential merits of introducing legislative proposals
on the use of signage and fines in areas of high pollution to encourage drivers to
switch off their engines while stationary.</p><p> </p>