News release

Vehicle emissions campaign takes to the road

Four councils are joining forces to mount a new free engine emissions testing programme.

East Lothian, Falkirk, Midlothian and West Lothian Councils are backing the roadshow, which runs until the end of October.

It is part of a continuing awareness-raising campaign to cut pollution and save lives.

" Last year more than 1300 vehicles were tested," said Tom Logie, West Lothian Council's vehicle emissions testing officer.

" This included 375 vehicles tested in West Lothian - 294 petrol and 81 diesel.

" More than 20 per cent of petrol-driven vehicles failed the tests and just over six per cent of diesels also failed.

" The feedback from the public to the campaign has been very positive. The aim is to educate and inform motorists about the importance of ensuring the vehicles they drive are well maintained and produce the minimum amount of pollutants.

" Poorly maintained vehicles particularly diesels produce large amounts of particulates. They have been blamed for damaging the lungs of the young and causing illness in people who have respiratory or heart problems as well as being the cause of cancer.

" Petrol engines produce chemicals which can also damage health. Asthma sufferers are particularly concerned about the effects that traffic fumes can have on their health.

" All drivers can play their part and make a difference by maintaining a healthy vehicle."

Vehicle emission testing will be held at two venues in West Lothian - Tesco at Bathgate and ASDA Wall-Mart at Livingston.

Local testing dates:
Thursday 3 April - Sunday 6 April - Tesco, Bathgate
Thursday 15 May - Sunday 18 May - ASDA Wall-Mart, Livingston
Thursday 12 June - Sunday 15 June - Tesco, Bathgate
Thursday 10 July - Sunday 13 July - ASDA Wall-Mart, Livingston
Thursday 7 August - Sunday 10 August - Tesco, Bathgate
Thursday 4 September - Sunday 7 September - ASDA Wall-Mart, Livingston
Thursday 2 October - Sunday 5 October - Tesco, Bathgate
Thursday 30 October - Saturday 2 November - ASDA Wall-Mart, Livingston

 

 

 

 

Date: 15-05-2008