Exhaust-ing battle against bus pollution

But their efforts are surely destined to go up in smoke if dirty old buses are allowed to pump horrible plumes of black gases into the atmosphere.

Take the Arriva bus which operates along Old Bedford Road.

Reader Gina Johnson emailed us a video of the vehicle sending out thick black smoke into the sky.

Gina said: “I reported this bus to Arriva and then to the DVSA Smoky Vehicle Hotline in February, but it is continuing to emit clouds of black smoke.

“It’s outrageous that they should allow this bus on the road. If it were to pass an asthmatic child, it could trigger a fatal asthma attack. And why have an online Smoky Vehicle reporting form, if it does not trigger any response?

“I would be grateful for your help in getting this elderly bus taken off the road.”

Arriva told Gina that the bus was in a roadworthy condition and that: “All of our vehicles are serviced at regular intervals. During these services vehicles are required to pass strict emissions tests.”

However... interestingly, I wrote about a bus with the same issue back in my Luton News column of August 14, 2013.

It was also travelling along Old Bedford Road and was shooting out huge clouds every time the driver accelerated or changed gear.

Having looked at my photo from the time it’s the same registration plate of W424 XKX!

It makes you wonder how strict these emissions tests are, doesn’t it?

Anyway I put the fact that it was the same bus to Arriva and let’s just say after waiting nearly two weeks for an official response my patience is exhaust-ed!