POPLAR PROPOSES PROHIBITION OF STEAM WAGONS IN LONDON.
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CONTENDING that the smoke nuil.....)sance is injurious to Aeon, the general purposes committee of the Poplar Borough Council recommends that legislation should be sought to prohibit the use of steam wagons in London streets. In this connection the borough council has communicated with the police, and the Commissioner has replied to the following effect:— " Nearly all mechanically propelled vehicles, including steam lorries, come under the provision of Section I (1) of the Locomotives on Highways Act, 1896. The effect of this is that if they have been constructed on the principle of con coming their own smoke, proceedings cannot be taken for the emission of smoke or visible vapour unless Ehe prosecution is able to prove that it is not of a _temporary or accidental character. The question is one that has occupied the attention of the courts on several occasions, notably in the case of the Star Omnibus Co. v. Tagg, Davis v. Rochdale Justices, Hindle and Palmer v. Noblett and a recent magisterial case at Horneastle."
The question, it is stated, has also been considered by Parliament and the Home Secretary:
The Commissioner adds that he has recently been going very carefully into the question, and he is advised that proceedings would be very difficult. So far as the police are aware, nearly all mechanically propelled vehicles are, with the exception of those commonly known as traction engines, etc., constructed on the principle of consuming their own smoke, but if the Poplar Council has evidence that any type is not so constructed the Commissioner will consider the matter further. With regard to the question of cinder deposits, the nuisance is recognized, but in the absence of specific regulations on the subject the police cannot .take any action.