BUS OPERATORS are to receive letters asking them to remind drivers to switch off engines on parked vehicles at Accrington bus station.

And councillors are encouraging the public to report any smoky exhaust fumes from coaches and buses by phoning a dirty diesel hotline.

Councillor Maurice Cowell told Hyndburn environmental services committee: "Buses are just standing there for twenty minutes with their engines running all the time. Public transport is spewing out more fuel than anyone else."

Environmental health chief, Steve Todd, said: "When complaints are received the companies concerned are contacted and requested to remind drivers to turn their engines off."

Council leader George Slynn said the authority would write to all bus operators, but the "best policeman" was the general public.

Complaints about black and smoky exhaust fumes from trucks, coaches and buses can be reported to the Vehicle Inspectorate, which will ask for four facts: the vehicle registration number; the type of vehicle; the date, time and place it was seen; and the name of the vehicle operator. The number to ring is 0161 494 9085.

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