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(C) The volume of commercial and other mechanical transport
using Erith roads continues to increase as a result of
which local atmospheric pollution increases proportionately.
In June, the Ministry of Transport disclosed that when
the first country-wide spot check on diesel fumes was made,
one in every eight of the vehicles observed was emitting too
much smoke, as a result of which fifty were put off the roads
immediately. Meanwhile many and varied devices and
additives are being tested by the Warren Spring Laboratory,
but it is authoratively stated that as yet, none of the appliances
studied has proved satisfactory. At this stage, it is
considered that the solution lies in good maintenance, and
it is for this reason that the Laboratory is exploring the
development of a reliable smoke meter with which existing
legislation can be enforced.
(D) As recommended by Ministry of Housing and Local
Government Circular 42/61, all factory managements were
communicated with and reminded that legal defence against
dark smoke emission is limited to 5th July, 1963, and that
it will no longer be possible to plead as a defence in any
proceedings for an offence under Section 1 of the Clean Air
Act 1956 that the contravention was due to faulty buildings
or equipment, and to inability to remedy this. The majority
of factory managements responded that every effort was
being made for industrial furnaces to conform with the
provisions of the Clean Air Act 1956.
As a result of informal action, the following improvements
were effected on industrial furnaces:—
1. Two Danks double pass smoke tube boilers (fired
by wood chips) converted to oil firing.
2. One new Pratt Daniel Spark Arrestor provided at
a foundry.
D (5)f Clean Air Act 1956
Borough of Erith (No. 1) Smoke Control Order 1961
On 12th January, 1962, press and other publicity was
given to the above, and as no objections were received, the
Order was duly confirmed by the Minister of Housing and
Local Government and will come into operation on the 1st
October, 1964. The area in question comprises some 390
acres in which are 3,234 dwellings. Every owner and occupier
is being acquainted with the necessary requirements, and
during the year many conversions were effected.