Smokey and Idling vehicles
Smoke and fumes that come from vehicle exhausts are harmful to
health. They contain chemicals which are toxic and there is no
reason that we should be breathing those fumes into our
lungs.
If you leave your vehicle idling when you are stationary
you are contributing to air pollution.
What can be reported?
- Buses, lorries and coaches but not light vans, cars or
taxis
- 'Excessively smoky' vehicles are those which emit a continuous
stream of thick smoke (not just when starting from rest or warming
up).
What do you need to report a vehicle?
- Vehicle registration number
- Type of vehicle
- Date and time vehicle seen
- If possible the vehicle's operator (company or owner)
Where do I report this?
You can contact the local VOSA Enforcement office which covers
operators in Cumbria, Lancashire, Tyne and Tees.
Carlisle GVTS,
Brunthill Road,
Kingstown Industrial Estate,
Carlisle, CA3 0EH
You can also report vehicle pollution by telephone on 01228
531751.
Why should I report this?
Research shows that
- exhaust emissions contain a range of toxic substances such as
carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrocarbons and
particulates.
- 62% of people with asthma tell us that traffic fumes make their
asthma worse.
- 80% of people with asthma tell us they are concerned about the
effect that increasing traffic fumes will have on their health,
their family’s health and their children’s health.
- A quarter of people with asthma say that a reduction in air
pollution is the single thing that would make the most difference
to their quality of life in relation to their asthma.
The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and
Northern Ireland states: “Air pollution is currently estimated to
reduce the life expectancy of every person in the UK by an average
of seven to eight months. The measures outlined in the strategy
could help to reduce the impact on average life expectancy to five
months by 2020, and provide a significant step forward in
protecting our environment.”
What happens when a vehicle is reported?
The Vehicle Inspectorate (VI) writes to the operator asking him
to investigate the report. The vehicle operator then writes back
reporting what action has been taken. If the response is
unsatisfactory, the VI can review the operator's maintenance
arrangements or inspect the vehicle themselves. In extreme cases
the Inspectorate can remove an operator's licence.
Idling vehicles
If you leave your vehicle idling when you are stationary you are
contributing to air pollution.
Did you know..
- 10 seconds of engine idling uses more fuel than restarting
- 10 minutes of engine idling wastes at least one-tenth of a
litre of fuel
- 1 litre of fuel generates around 2.4kg of greenhouse gas
Co2