Smoky Vehicles

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) are responsible for investigating complaints about smoky vehicles. Unfortunately East Hampshire District Council is unable to investigate or take enforcement action against the owner of a smoky vehicle.

Vehicles that regularly emit excessive smoke may be reported to the VOSA Smoky Vehicle Hotline by telephoning 08706 060 440 or using the VOSA 'Smoky Vehicle Reporting Form'.

Please note that many diesel engines emit a small amount of smoke when started from cold and under heavy acceleration. This is normal and should not be reported.

When calling the ‘Smoky Vehicle Hotline’ you will need to provide the following information:

-vehicle registration displayed on the number plate
-vehicle type and details (i.e. colour, model, make, be as specific as possible)
-location at which the vehicle was witnessed
-date, time and the place that you saw the vehicle, and if possible
- the vehicle operator if available (the company or owner)

You will also be asked to give your own name and address, which will be kept confidential, although this is not compulsory.

Alternatively if you write to VOSA your letter will be acknowledged. You will not normally be informed of any action taken, but if you see the vehicle regularly you will be able to see if the problem has been fixed. You can report persistent offenders again, which means that further action will be taken. If no action has been taken then it may simply be that the operator or smoke emissions do not actually break the rules.

Further information

For further information, please: enquiries@vosa.gov.uk - alternatively ring the VOSA Enquiry Unit via their national number 0870 60 60 440.