Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

MOTs: Increased Particulate Matter Testing

24 January 2023 · 2 other contributors · 2,922 words

Opened by Barry Sheerman Lab Huddersfield

Responding minister: Richard Holden

NHSEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Barry Sheerman raised concerns about mots: increased particulate matter testing in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Air pollution causes up to 36,000 premature deaths annually in the UK.
  • A faulty diesel particulate filter can emit as much pollution as a three-lane traffic jam stretching from Huddersfield to Land's End.
  • The Government is trialling particulate number testing to improve MOT checks on DPF functionality.

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.

Opened the debate

Barry Sheerman Lab Huddersfield

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.

Other contributors (2)
  • Caroline Lucas

    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

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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