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Sulphur Dioxide
Sulphur dioxide in the air is measured by passing a measured volume of
air through a solution of hydrogen peroxide, and determining by titration
with alkali, the amount of acid collected. The sulphur dioxide concentration
is expressed in parts per 100 million, and the average figure for
the whole country in 1956-7 was 7. The instruments at Fortis Green and
the Central Depot gave readings of 4 and 6 respectively but the Town
Hall winter figure of 9 equalled the national figure for the same period.
Smoke and sulphur dioxide concentrations tend to vary in the same
proportions, and are much higher during the winter months but locally
there may be variations in the proportions.
Motor Vehicle Exhausts
The Report of the Committee on Air Pollution (Beaver Report 1954)
expressed the opinion that if diesel engined vehicles were properly
maintained, serviced and driven, they need not emit smoke. Contribution
of exhaust gases to the total volume of air pollution was stated to be
still relatively small, but could reach considerable proportions locally
in areas of heavy traffic congestion when the movement of air is restricted.
Where trunk or main roads pass through the Borough, carrying heavy
traffic, this smoke nuisance from diesel engine exhausts has tended to
become more serious with the ever increasing growth of motor transport.
The Beaver Report considered that the present law on the subject
(enforceable by the police) was both explicit and adequate. The Motor
Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, made under the Road
Traffic Act, require that every motor vehicle shall be constructed, maintained
and driven so as to prevent the emission of smoke, etc.
Following a recommendation by the Beaver Committee, investigations
are being carried out by the Department of Scientific and Industrial
Research to examine methods by which the emission of harmful substances
from motor vehicle exhausts can be reduced.
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