Vol. 527 No. 1
116 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will clarify the precise standard that is required in the context of the national car test in relation to smoke emissions on vehicles; the way in which this is measured; and if he has satisfied himself that there is uniformity in the carrying out of tests. [28030/00]
Under the national car test, the standards for exhaust emissions, including smoke, vary depending on vehicle age and engine characteristics. The various standards are specified in the National Car Test Manual 1999, a copy of which is in the Oireachtas Library.
Smoke emissions of diesel engined cars are tested by measuring the opacity of the exhaust emissions. The test, which uses specialised emissions testing equipment, measures the amount of light that travels through the exhaust gases and thus gives an indication of the level of smoke being emitted. On the basis of regular supervision of the national car testing service, I am satisfied that the test is applied consistently.
