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MOTs: Increased Particulate Matter Testing
24 January 2023
Lead MP
Barry Sheerman
Huddersfield
Lab
Responding Minister
Richard Holden
Tags
NHSTaxation
Word Count: 2922
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Barry Sheerman raised concerns about mots: increased particulate matter testing in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should adopt particulate number testing during MOTs, which would help mitigate harmful effects on public health. Additionally, I ask the Minister to share any data prepared on the cost of introducing such testing and consider support or grants for testing centres and garages.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Air pollution is one of the greatest public health challenges, with up to 36,000 people dying prematurely each year in the UK due to its effects. A faulty diesel particulate filter can cause as much pollution as a three-lane traffic jam spanning from Huddersfield to Land's End, highlighting the need for increased testing during MOTs to identify and remove dangerous filters. The total cost of air pollution to the NHS and social care is estimated at £1.5 billion by 2025 and £5.1 billion by 2035.
Supported the hon. Gentleman's point and mentioned Ella Kissi-Debrah's case, asking for more ambitious targets on PM2.5 based on WHO guidelines.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Thanked the hon. Gentleman for highlighting the issue of faulty DPF causing significant pollution, and asked if he agrees that there is a simple way to cut emissions while restrictions are in place.
Government Response
Richard Holden
Government Response
The Minister praised the lead MP for advocating action on particulate matter testing. He highlighted progress made since 2013 in reducing particulates from new diesel vehicles through diesel particulate filters (DPFs). However, he acknowledged that current MOT tests are not effective in measuring particulate emissions or checking DPF functionality. The Government is committed to introducing more effective testing of particulate emissions and has been trialling particulate number (PN) testing on both heavy and light goods vehicles. The Minister noted the potential cost implications for the 23,500 MOT garages, estimating an initial cost of £100 million but expecting this to reduce with increased demand. He welcomed private sector investment, particularly from large car manufacturers, to ease costs. The consultation on MOT reforms was published last week and seeks views on PN testing.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.