GOVERNMENT officials have described as 'pure speculation' reports that ministers have dropped plans to impose tougher controls on car use as a way of reducing noxious emissions from vehicle exhausts.

Eighteen months ago then transport secretary Dr Brian Mawhinney instigated 'the great transport debate' (Fleet News November 11, 1994). As a result a number of major discussions and initiatives have taken place involving interested parties of the Departments of Transport, Environment and Health.

It was claimed in The Daily Telegraph 'Ministers steer away from curb on cars' for fear of alienating motorists in the run-up to the general election. The story quoted an unnamed Department of Environment official, but when Fleet News spoke to both the Department of Environment and Department of Transport press offices staff described the story as 'pure speculation'.