I'm fuming over this bus diesel pollution (From Warrington Guardian)

I'm fuming over this bus diesel pollution

A CONCERNED resident is complaining that bus drivers are not complying with a notice to switch off their engines when waiting at Northwich bus station.

Stuart Hogg, from Whitegate, said it was surprising no action had been taken to enforce pollution regulations as diesel fumes were being emitted next to a public market, opposite a doctors' surgery, the county offices, and the information centre.

Mr Hogg said he enquired about the situation at the town centre information kiosk but was told there was nothing more they could do beyond putting up the signs and asking drivers to comply.

He said: "In spite of the notice in each bus shelter stating that bus drivers have been asked to switch off their engines when standing, the opposite appears to be the case, with diesel fumes spewing from the exhausts while the drivers sit in their seats or stand chatting on the pavement outside.

"Diesel is known to be particularly noxious which is why the borough council changed their vehicles to liquid petroleum gas."

Rupert Adams, principal environmental health officer for environmental protection at Vale Royal Borough Council, said: "The bus terminus at Northwich has been a source of concern.

"Monitoring has previously indicated potential problems with idling buses.

"However the current monitoring does not indicate that there is a significant problem at present."

A Cheshire County Council spokesman said: "We have received only one complaint about buses parked with their engines running at Northwich bus station and this was resolved some time ago.

"Any concerns can be raised immediately on site by speaking to the bus inspector or alternatively by ringing the county council on 01244 603470.

"Our transport coordination service regards this issue as a breach of health and safety legislation as well as bad customer practice and would raise it urgently with the operator concerned."