Lewes District Council

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.

Warning signs

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.

Report A Smoky Vehicle

The Government's Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) will investigate any complaint relating to a smoky vehicle. To report a problem:

0870 60 60 440 - VOSA National Helpline
VOSA: Smoky Vehicle Report Form

VOSA 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.

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Exhaust Fumes

Warning signs

Report A Smoky Vehicle