Economical, Efficient and Targeted Monitoring of Emissions Legislation -A UK Proposed Approach

The UK introduced its first statutory vehicle emission control at the end of 1991. In November of that year the Royal Automobile Club commissioned the University of Denver, Colorado, to carry out a study of emissions' levels against which to measure the effectiveness of the UK legislation, by means of a similar study in November 1992.

21000 samples were taken, using the University's Remote Exhaust Sensor in two urban locations in the UK. The sensor is described and the results of the samples are presented.

The proportion of automobiles producing excessive emissions was significant and appeared to depend on automobile make and age and the relative affluence of the ownership.

The implications of the results for possible future legislation and enforcement in the UK are examined, with particular emphasis on the true practical role of remote sensing of vehicle emissions.