Car emissions cheats could get unlimited fines under new government proposals
The Department for Transport is putting rules in place that would let it punish emissions cheats in the wake of the Volkswagen dieselgate scandal
Car makers could face unlimited fines and criminal charges for fitting devices designed to trick emissions testing software.
The so-called ‘defeat devices’ make vehicles look less polluting than they really are. The government wants to crack down on the use of this software following the Volkswagen dieselgate scandal, which it believes affected 1.2 million vehicles in the UK.
Transport minister Jesse Norman today revealed the proposal, which could apply to car makers, fleet owners and importers who bring non-compliant vehicles into the UK, but is unlikely to be applied to Volkswagen retroactively.
He said: “We continue to take the unacceptable actions of Volkswagen extremely seriously, and we are framing new measures to crack down on emissions cheats in future.
“Those who cheat should be held to proper account in this country, legally and financially, for their actions.”
The Department for Transport says the measures go “above and beyond” European requirements.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said that every new car sold in the UK meets strict regulations, and pointed out that the government’s own testing has consistently shown them to be compliant.
He added: “There are already severe penalties for any manufacturer involved in any kind of misconduct in the type approval process conducted here in the UK and the government is now looking to extend this to all vehicles wherever they have been approved.
“All new cars meet the toughest emission standards and government now has more powers to conduct in-service testing so consumers can be confident they are buying the cleanest and safest cars in history.”
Further proposals designed to improve air quality and enhance road safety include ensuring vehicles use the latest fuel economy tests, improving the green credentials of specialist and modified vehicles, and creating stricter rules on the sale of vehicles already in stock that do not meet the new requirements.
Last month, more than 100 lorry operators were caught using emission-cheating software by Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency officials. Of 3,795 lorries checked, 293 were found to be using the devices.
Drivers and operators were given 10 days to fix the emissions system or face a £300 fine.
