UK inquiry into emissions tests
MPs are calling for an investigation into the way the UK approves the road worthiness of cars.
This follows on from the Volkswagen emissions scandal in which some diesel cars had software fitted designed to cheat emissions tests.
Parliament’s Transport Committee said it would look into whether arrangements for testing noise, performance and emissions met EU standards. The Vehicle Certification Authority oversees approval of UK vehicles.
Louise Ellman, chairwoman of the Transport Committee said, ‘The Volkswagen scandal has raised serious concerns about whether vehicle type approval testing is fit for purpose.’
‘We heard evidence in October that the gap between emissions detected in test conditions and those detected in the real world significant. The testing procedure is clearly inadequate.’
Investigations by several authorities across the world have been started since it was revealed in the US that VW used software to cheat tests for nitrogen oxide, a pollutant that can cause health problems.
Environmental campaigners have long complained that the performance of vehicles in ‘real world’ driving bears little resemblance to the results achieved in laboratory tests.
Ms Ellman added, ‘It is essential to examine these allegations and to ensure that the government and EU take action to restore public confidence.’
This follows yesterday’s revelation from Volkswagen that some of its 2016 models could also contain the software used to dupe emissions tests.
