Why are vehicle emissions important?

Emissions from vehicle exhausts are a significant source of air pollution. Air pollutants in vehicle emissions include:

  • carbon dioxide
  • carbon monoxide
  • fine dust particles
  • nitrogen oxides
  • unburnt hydrocarbons.

You should try to limit the amount of vehicle emissions that your business produces as they may:

  • lead to ill health, such as respiratory problems, among your staff and the public
  • cause a nuisance to your neighbours
  • contribute to roadside levels of pollution in urban centres
  • contribute to climate change.
You can also reduce your transport costs, such as fuel bills and vehicle tax, by choosing vehicles that are more environmentally friendly and using them more efficiently.

In this guideline: