Who is VERA?
VERA, Vehicle Emission Reporting Arrangement is St Edmundsbury Borough Council's campaign to cut the amount of fumes being pumped out into the atmosphere by vehicles that are not properly maintained.
Why do we need VERA?
Motor vehicles are a major source of air pollution in large towns and cities, but the problem is getting worse in rural areas. VERA aims to involve everybody in a bid to cut down on the emission of these harmful gases which can cause ill health and damage plant and animal life.
What causes smoke emission?
Anyone who has a second hand car and even some new cars will have faced the problem of smoke belching from their exhaust.
There are three main reasons for this:
- too much oil in the combustion chamber
- faulty fuel system
- ignition problems
All three of these problems not only lead to pollution but can cost you more money because your vehicle is using more petrol or oil than it should. If you have a vehicle which is powered by diesel, excessive smoke may be due to worn or badly maintained fuel injectors or pumps.
How can I help?
By keeping an eye out for smoky vehicles and reporting them to VERA. Environmental Health and Housing have set up a single contact point for people to report vehicles, both commercial and private, which they think are emitting too much smoke.
You will need to note:
- The vehicle registration number;
- The date and time that the vehicle emission took place;
- The location at which the emission took place; and
- The type of vehicle (bus, articulated lorry, car make and model, if possible).
Your will also be required to give your name and address.
VERA will forward details of commercial vehicles to the Vehicle Inspectorate and registration number of private vehicles to the DVLA in Swansea. The registered keepers of he vehicles will then be notified of the alleged smoke emission and will be asked to act upon the notification as necessary.
Remember - Your vehicle can fail the MOT test if its' emission level is too high, so have your vehicle regularly serviced. It makes good economic sense for you and the rest of us by reducing pollution.
Tell VERA about Smoky on 01284 757053
