Exhaust fumes

Motor Vehicle exhaust fumes are a major source of a number of important air pollutants and when associated with poor vehicle maintenance, can increase the problem.

Excessive smoke and pollutants from vehicle exhausts are normally caused by inadequate vehicle maintenance.  This can result in incomplete combustion in the engine leading to an increase in pollutants.

Besides affecting our health, air pollution also defaces masonry on buildings, causes acid rain, produces smoke and odour which is offensive and damages plant life.

What should you be looking for?

You should be looking for a discolouration within the vehicles exhaust.  Please be aware that diesel engines emit darker emissions than other vehicles.  Any vehicle giving out excessive amounts of dark/black smoke should be reported as it shows that the vehicle is burning excess fuel and simple maintenance may be needed.

If there is a blue tinge to the cloud, this indicates that the vehicle is burning oil or a simple adjustment is required.

How you can report a smoky vehicle?

We will need certain information if you want to report a suspected smoky vehicle.  It is not possible to follow up any report without the details below.

• The vehicle registration number
• The type of vehicle
• The date, time and place where you saw the vehicle
• The colour/description of the emission

You will also have to give your own name and address to help minimise malicious reports.  This will then be kept in confidence.