Local fine plan could hit polluting trucks
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• Polluting trucks could be stopped and operators fined £60 if local authorities are given new powers to tackle air quality.
Under the new government proposals, authorities which have declared Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) would be able to stop vehicles and test them against emissions standards.
Launching the plans. Transport Minister John Spellar says: "This isn't just about old vehicles, which we all know can be great polluters. Modern vehicles, though more environmentally friendly, can cause excessive pollution if not properly serviced and maintained."
These penalties could be avoided if offending vehicles' engines can be re-tuned or there is proof that all reasonable care had been taken to maintain the vehicle properly.
However, Birmingham City Council, which piloted the scheme, says it abandoned trials two years ago. "There were lots of problems with it. We had to pay the police to stop the vehicles and that was costing too much money," says a spokeswoman. "There was also no mechanism to force the motorists to fix their vehicles even if they paid the fine."