Emissions in the news - when will the government wake up?

In a week when we have seen evidence of further emissions cheating in Japan
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36089558) while VW agrees compensation deals for its use of defeat devices in the US (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36103903), and DfT finally provides evidence that real-world emissions across all motor manufacturers are on average six times higher that the type approval tests (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vehicle-emissions-testing-programme-conclusions), how then can the PM continue to defend the motor industry (http://www.airqualitynews.com/2016/04/21/prime-minister-defends-car-industry-over-diesel-emissions/) that has proven itself time and again to not have public health interests at heart. When will the government wake up to the incontrovertible proof that our motor industry is killing us and that no amount of economic growth can justify that!
 

Expert response to the Department for Transport report on the real-world emissions from diesel vehicles

In response to the Department for Transport report out yesterday on the real-world emissions from diesel vehicles, Dr Jo Barnes made the following statement: “It is fantastic news that the UK government has now finally officially, and independently, acknowledged the extent of the discrepancy between test cycle and real world emissions across all motor manufacturers. At last air quality modellers can now stop labouring under the false pretence that published emission factors are “realistic” and, through the implementation of on-road real-world emission testing, motor manufacturers will now have to ensure new vehicles are cleaner. There is still a long way to go however to ensure public health is protected from vehicle emissions. The agreed new emissions tests will still allow emissions to exceed the standards by twice as much and, compared to US standards, it could be argued even the standards themselves are too lenient. It is also unclear what the government plans to do about the dirty vehicles that are already on our roads. Will a new scrappage scheme be in order? This will also have implications for the new Air Quality Plan that Defra has just submitted to the European Commission. Effectively this announcement undermines the emissions forecasts that underpinned Defra’s assumption that health-based air quality limit values would be achieved by 2020 in most areas and by 2025 in London and would push this date on by years.” In addition, the government should seriously consider introducing NOx and PM testing into MOT tests and funding roadside testing in order to check the on-going effectiveness of emissions management systems in real-world driving conditions over time.

UWE air quality training on new LAQM Guidance - book now!

The AQMRC at UWE, Bristol have launched a new suite of IES and IAQM-accredited air quality training sessions to help policy makers and practitioners to understand their role and requirements in the latest Local Air Quality Management Policy and Technical Guidance. Technical Guidance TG(16) for the UK (except London) and Policy Guidance PG(16) for the Devolved Administrations was released by Defra last Friday. The new guidance will have implications for anyone working in air quality, transport, development control, public health and sustainability, both in the public and private sector.

In the week commencing 23rd May 2016, the AQMRC will be running updated sessions on:

•        Air Quality Management
•        Air Quality Monitoring
•        Air Quality Dispersion Modelling
•        Air Quality and Development Control
•        Air Quality Action Planning

Each session is delivered in one day and delegates can book on to as many or few days as they like, although there are discounts available for bookings of all five sessions. Each day costs £200, which includes course materials, car parking, lunch and refreshments. Full details of each of the sessions, including online booking forms are available by clicking on the links above. Places are limited, so please book now to avoid disappointment. If you have any queries, please contact jo.barnes@uwe.ac.uk.

Tim at American Association of Geographers Conference

Tim will be attending the American Association of Geographers annual conference in Chicago between the 28^th March and 2^nd April. http://www.aag.org/cs/annualmeeting

He is presenting a paper on “Energy Justice” based on the work of the MOT project (www.MOTproject.net) as well as organising and chairing a panel session for the project on “Vehicle Odometers and Other Novel Methods of Examining Car Ownership and Usage” with a range of international coleages, including Dr Deborah Salon from University of Arizona State University, Professor Joseph Ferreira from MIT, and MOT PI Prof. Jillian Anable from Leeds University.

Tim invited participant at the DEMAND conference

Tim is an invited panel member on the “Energy and Money” workshop stream at the 2016 DEMAND Centre conference (13-15^th April)  http://www.demand.ac.uk/conference-2016/

He will also be giving a presentation on “The Financial Implications of Car Ownership and Use” based on the work of the MOT project (www.MOTproject.net)