Mr. Speir Presents His Bill
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NfiR. RUPERT SPEIR this week pre
VI his Diesel Fumes Abatement Bill--a short, eight-clause measure which will have its second reading in the Commons next Friday (April 6). If passed, it would allow the Minister to make regulations prescribing the use of additives in every diesel engine, so as to reduce smoke or visible vapour. Firstoffence fines of up to £20 and subsequent fines up to £50 (or jail for up to three months) for offenders are called for. The Bill provides for tests for smoke or visible vapour. Failure to comply within 48 hours of notification, or further use of a suspect vehicle without a clearance certificate, would bring a fine of up to £20.
Sellers or suppliers—or even persons who offer for sale—diesel vehicles in such a condition that the quantity of smoke or visible vapour exceeded the "prescribed density " would be liable to a fine of up to £20 on a first offence and up to £50 (or up to three months' jail) for subsequent offences. Heavy diesel goods vehicles would be required to emit exhaust gases vertically, not less than 7 ft. 6 in. above ground.
COMMON MARKET DEBATE ON STANDARDIZATION
THE first step by the Common Market countries to agree standardized weights and dimensions was taken this week at a plenary session of the European Parliamentary Assembly. A resolution from the E.P.A. transport committee concerning standardization of traffic regulations (this includesdimensions and weights) was discussed on Tuesday.
At present there are considerable differences between national limits. The Economic Commission for Europe and the European Conference of Transport Ministers have been trying, without much success, to achieve such standardization throughout all European countries since 1945.