LEGAL MEASURES FOR THE AIR POLLUTION REGULATION FROM LAND VEHICLES : A STUDY OF POLLUTION FROM DIESEL ENGINE

Abstract

ABSTRACT

                 One of the current most significant causes of air pollution is diesel engine land vehicles with relatively high emissions rates due to incomplete combustion, causing health issues. This thesis studied legal measures to manage air pollution from land vehicles through a case study of diesel-powered vehicle pollution, examining laws that may be used to prevent, remedy, or alleviate such problems. An international comparative legal study was made of relevant European Union (EU) statutes that may be relevant to Thai law.

            Results were that relevant Thai laws may be divided into three groups: those governing the production of vehicles, engines, and equipment standards; those setting fuel quality standards; and those controlling vehicle registration or current operation.

These concepts also appear in EU law, which sets stricter air emission standards than in Thailand, for some aspects. Generally, Thailand has sufficient laws to deal with air pollution from diesel engine land vehicles. But in managing air pollution problems from diesel engine land vehicles, some legal issues require improvement, especially secondary laws, to increase legal efficiency in resolving determination of air emission standards from diesel engine land vehicles. In addition, higher fuel standards equivalent to EU regulations should be introduced through amending current rules issued under relevant law legal systems in Thailand. Other measures must be implemented concurrently with legal measures to facilitate management, such as improving transportation management efficiency to sustainably manage diesel engine air pollution.

Keywords : Air pollution, Diesel engine