25/07/2024
DfI Proposes New Emissions Test For Diesels
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is consulting on an alternative exhaust emissions test for modern diesel cars and light goods vehicles as part of changes to the annual MOT test.
Modern diesel engines can emit high levels of hazardous particulate matter if not properly maintained, and the current diesel smoke test is ineffective in detecting this. The PN test, which is expected to take as long as the existing petrol emissions test, is anticipated to incur no additional test fee.
The eight-week public consultation proposes conducting an exhaust emissions Particle Number (PN) test on cars and light goods vehicles (first registered from 1 January 2013) fitted with a modern diesel engine, as a more effective alternative to the smoke opacity (density) test. The relevant legislation will need to be amended to introduce this new diesel emissions test for light vehicles.
DfI is also proposing to amend the legislation to cover vehicles over 3500kg gross vehicle weight. This change would enable roadside enforcement checks on modern light and heavy diesel vehicles to assess the effectiveness of their diesel particulate filters (DPF).
Following the consultation, all responses will be analysed before recommendations are made to the Minister for Infrastructure.
Modern diesel engines can emit high levels of hazardous particulate matter if not properly maintained, and the current diesel smoke test is ineffective in detecting this. The PN test, which is expected to take as long as the existing petrol emissions test, is anticipated to incur no additional test fee.
The eight-week public consultation proposes conducting an exhaust emissions Particle Number (PN) test on cars and light goods vehicles (first registered from 1 January 2013) fitted with a modern diesel engine, as a more effective alternative to the smoke opacity (density) test. The relevant legislation will need to be amended to introduce this new diesel emissions test for light vehicles.
DfI is also proposing to amend the legislation to cover vehicles over 3500kg gross vehicle weight. This change would enable roadside enforcement checks on modern light and heavy diesel vehicles to assess the effectiveness of their diesel particulate filters (DPF).
Following the consultation, all responses will be analysed before recommendations are made to the Minister for Infrastructure.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 September 2002
Larne test centre receives top quality award
Management and staff of the Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency’s Larne Test Centre have received a top award in recognition of their achievements from Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt today.
Larne test centre receives top quality award
Management and staff of the Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency’s Larne Test Centre have received a top award in recognition of their achievements from Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt today.
27 January 2005
Headlamp beam test to be introduced for MOT test
Environment Minister Angela Smith today confirmed that a new headlamp beam test is to be introduced into the MOT from the end of March. Commenting on the test, the Minister said the new examination would be expected to improve road safety.
Headlamp beam test to be introduced for MOT test
Environment Minister Angela Smith today confirmed that a new headlamp beam test is to be introduced into the MOT from the end of March. Commenting on the test, the Minister said the new examination would be expected to improve road safety.
29 September 2023
SEAG Re-Open Transfer Test System For Late Registration
The Schools' Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG) has announced that the transfer test system has been re-opened for parents who missed the Pupil Registration deadline. The Registration Portal has been reopened today, 29 September, and will remain open until 5pm on Monday, 02 October.
SEAG Re-Open Transfer Test System For Late Registration
The Schools' Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG) has announced that the transfer test system has been re-opened for parents who missed the Pupil Registration deadline. The Registration Portal has been reopened today, 29 September, and will remain open until 5pm on Monday, 02 October.
28 September 2023
Alliance Raises Concerns Over Newly 'Privatised' Transfer Test System
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the "lack of accountability" in NI's new post-primary transfer test system, which has led to "significant concern and worry" for parents.
Alliance Raises Concerns Over Newly 'Privatised' Transfer Test System
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the "lack of accountability" in NI's new post-primary transfer test system, which has led to "significant concern and worry" for parents.
15 September 2022
Health Trusts Missing Smear Test Targets 'Very Concerning'
The SDLP has said that it is "very concerning" that all health trusts in the North have missed the target for reporting smear test results. Health trusts have a target of reporting 80% of smear test results to the patient within four weeks.
Health Trusts Missing Smear Test Targets 'Very Concerning'
The SDLP has said that it is "very concerning" that all health trusts in the North have missed the target for reporting smear test results. Health trusts have a target of reporting 80% of smear test results to the patient within four weeks.