Contact:
  • Environmental Monitoring Team
  • Address:
    9-10 Bath Street Bath BA1 1SN
  • E-mail:
    environmental_monitoring@bathnes.gov.uk
  • Telephone:
    01225 477557
  • Fax:
    01225 477596
  • Minicom:
    01225 477647
  • Page Updated:
    29/09/2007
  • Author:
    Lorna McCardle
A to Z Index

Diesel Smoke

What can you do about it?

Diesel smoke is the major source of smoke in urban areas; at times emissions from diesel exhausts visually offend or even make us feel we are being choked.

Bath & North East Somerset Council, in cooperation with the Vehicle & Operators Services Agency (VOSA) (www.vosa.gov.uk) would like your help to secure a reduction.

When you spot a smoking diesel lorry, bus or coach make a note of the following information needed to trace and rectify the vehicle:

  • registration number
  • operator licence number (if possible)
  • vehicle description e.g. type, colour, company name etc.
  • date, time and location

Telephone the information to VOSA on 0870 606 0440 (email enquiries@vosa.gov.uk) or Bath & North East Somerset Council, Environmental & Consumer Services on 01225 477554 (email environmental_consumer_services@bathnes.gov.uk).

The owner of the offending vehicle will be instructed to have the fault rectified and the vehicle checked at the nearest Goods Vehicle Testing Station.

Important Note

Many diesel engined vehicles emit a small amount of smoke when starting from cold or when beginning to accelerate; this is perfectly normal and should not be reported. Therefore please contact the DTLR or the Council only if a vehicle continuously emits excessive smoke.