A COUNCIL is offering motorists the chance to save money by getting their exhaust fumes monitored free.

Middlesbrough Council officials have tested 350 vehicles in the past 12 months and found a third failed to meet legal standards.

Some cars were emitting twice the legal limit of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, both harmful to health.

Anthony Luke, of the council's community protection service, said: "National and local statistics show that nearly 70 per cent of vehicle pollution is caused by 15 percent of "dirty vehicles". A badly tuned engine emits excessive pollution and wastes fuel, resulting in higher fuel bills."

Testing will be carried out in the Safeway car park, Coulby Newham, on Tuesday, Pallister Park car park, Middlesbrough, on Wednesday, and Clairville Common, Park Road North, Middlesbrough, on Thursday.

Further tests will be carried out at the Southlands Centre car park, in Ormesby Road, on Tuesday, May 25, and at Pallister Park car park on Wednesday, May 26.

Testing will be between 10am and 3pm on each of the days.

Mr Luke said: "Our voluntary testing days in the town are a good chance for drivers to check their vehicle exhaust emissions. We can also offer advice to drivers whose vehicles do not meet the legal standards.

"It is usually fairly inexpensive to fix an emission problem, which will save drivers money.

"A badly tuned vehicle wastes fuel and burns a hole in your pocket."