asked the Minister for the Environment whether his Department operates any overall monitoring, control or effective standards in relation to pollution emissions from vehicles which are partly or wholly owned by State or semi-State organisations; and the degree of monitoring enforcement which takes place in this respect.
Written Answers. - Vehicular Pollution.
139.
Article 30 of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 requires vehicles to be so constructed as to prevent, as far as is reasonably possible, the emission of smoke, visible vapour, noxious gases or offensive odours. Article 90 of the 1963 regulations prohibits a person using a vehicle in such a manner as to emit fumes which could be prevented by the exercise of reasonable care. Enforcement of the regulations is primarily a matter for the Garda Síochána.
Heavy goods vehicles, buses and ambulances must be roadworthiness tested annually under the European Communities (Vehicle Testing) Regulations, 1982 to 1986. The roadworthiness test includes pollution/smoke tests on the exhaust systems. Tests are carried out by authorised testers appointed and supervised, at local level, by licensing authorities (motor tax offices). My Department have overall responsibility, at national level, for supervising the vehicle testing scheme.
The foregoing regulations generally apply to relevant vehicles owned by State or semi-State organisations. However, vehicles belonging to or used by the Defence Forces or the Garda Síochána are exempt from the vehicle testing regulations.
As regards the possible improvement of existing legislation governing motor vehicle emissions, I would refer the Deputy to my answer to his Parliamentary Question No. 35 of 4 May 1988.