Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Government provides guidance for staff on the risks of exposure to diesel engine exhaust emissions to Highways England.

National Highways (formerly Highways England) do not specifically monitor emissions from diesel engine exhausts. However, National Highways has approximately 60 automatic air quality monitoring stations located alongside the Strategic Road Network (SRN) measuring nitrogen dioxide. Of these, 6 also measure particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5). Nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter are pollutants produced by all petrol and diesel vehicles.

Pursuant to the answer to Question 109214, National Highways own and maintain a standard within their Health Safety and Wellbeing management system, for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH). Guidance and Procedures are also provided for Traffic Officers working in road tunnels, which are equipped with ventilation to mitigate risk associated with air quality and harmful fumes.

Pursuant to the answer to Question 109214, National Highways’ staff are assessed for operational health hazards, and safety critical medicals included as part of general health assessments every other year. An occupational hygiene assessment is due to be undertaken for National Highways Traffic Officers and Highways Inspectors over the next four months, which will assess their current, and any new, occupational health risks.