21 December 1999

NEW STRICTER EXHAUST EMISSIONS STANDARDS

New Regulations coming in on 1 January 2000 will mean tighter controls on exhaust emissions for certain motor vehicles.

The new test standards will apply to certain vehicles with a four stroke ignition engine. The fuel on which a vehicle is running as well as the vehicle's condition must meet the emission requirements.

The vehicles affected are:-

• Those first used on or after 1 August 1986. The carbon monoxide limit for these vehicles when the engine is idling will be reduced to 3.5% of total exhaust emissions; and
• Those first used on or after 1 August 1975 and before 1 August 1986. The carbon monoxide limit for these vehicles when the engine is idling will be reduced to 4.5% of total exhaust emissions.

Hydrocarbon limits for all vehicles will remain unchanged. More information about the new standards can be obtained from the Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency at Balmoral Road, Belfast BT12 6QL, Tel. No. 547959.