What action it has taken to limit particulate matter emissions from non-road heavy-duty diesel engines.

Action to limit emissions from non-road heavy duty engines has been taken through the introduction of EU Directive 97/68/EC. The Scottish Executive has no functions in relation to the directive. The directive sets mandatory emissions standards which must be met by all new non-road diesel engines in the 18-560kW power range. These standards regulate emissions of a number of pollutants including particulates. The directive is implemented in the United Kingdom by the Non-Road Mobile Machinery (Emission of Gaseous and Particulate Pollutants) Regulations 1999. The regulations are enforced by the Vehicle Certification Agency. Emissions from non-road diesel heavy duty engines will decrease over time as the proportion of the fleet meeting the tighter emission standards increases.