Vehicle Emissions Cheats Face Ban From UK Roads

Lorry drivers and operators who try to cheat vehicle emissions could be taken off Britain’s roads in a major government crackdown. New roadside checks, which start in August, will target those who try to cheat the law, helping to improve air quality in towns and cities.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is taking tough action after the government consulted on a draft plan to improve air quality across the UK.

Councils are responsible for improving their area’s air quality – but under the government’s plan they will be expected to develop new solutions to reduce emissions quickly, while avoiding undue impact on the motorist.

The crackdown follows emerging evidence, including from DVSA enforcement staff, that unscrupulous drivers and operators are using cheat devices to cut the cost of operating. Common cheats include:
• using devices designed to stop emissions control systems from working
• removing the diesel particulate filter or trap
• using cheap, fake emission reduction devices or diesel exhaust fluid
• using illegal engine modifications which result in excessive emissions
• removing or bypassing the exhaust gas recirculation valve.

The agency will also investigate any GB operators caught cheating emissions and pass its findings to the Traffic Commissioners, who are responsible for the licensing and regulation of those who operate heavy goods vehicles and have the power to remove operator licences.

DVSA will continue to work with its counterpart agencies across Europe, and further afield, to make sure that all offences committed by non-GB hauliers are dealt with locally.

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