Skip advert
Advertisement

'The £1m DfT emissions report tells us nothing we didn't already know'

As emissions remains a hot topic, editor Graham Hope is struggling to see the point of the Department for Transport's £1m report

Way back at the start of the year, I appeared in front of the Transport Select Committee discussing the Type Approval system. As I reported, the line of questioning was erratic, but it was generally accepted that the current emissions testing regime was wholly inadequate as the results it delivered were in no way reflective of what cars produced in real-world daily conditions.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Last week, a Department for Transport report concluded exactly the same thing, at a cost of £1m to the taxpayer. Great! Glad we cleared that up then.

Flippancy aside, there’s no denying emissions remain a hot topic. In the last week alone, we’ve seen Dutch MPs pass a motion to ban petrol and diesel car sales by 2025, to help reduce emissions. 

Emissions and efficiency testing rolling road

In the US, VW has offered to buy back cars affected in the Dieselgate scandal, while Mercedes owner Daimler has launched an investigation into how it spells out its cars’ emissions. And in Japan, Mitsubishi confessed to falsifying emissions tests data to improve fuel economy figures. 

Each story feeds public interest in the topic. So there’s an argument that the DfT probe, which found NOx levels can be six times as high in real-world use as in tests – and that car makers, VW apart, didn’t actually do anything wrong to optimise their cars for tests – was money well spent.

Independent tests reveal best and worst diesel cars for NOx emissions

I struggle to agree. Yes, it might have provided a degree of transparency for consumers as the industry seeks to restore consumer confidence.

But anyone who’s followed this story learned nothing new. To these eyes, all the report served to do was emphasise yet again how lax legislators and manufacturers have been in allowing a programme that isn’t fit for purpose to remain in place so long. 

The sooner there’s a new testing system the better – but we didn’t need a £1m investigation to tell us that.

Do you agree or disagree with Graham? Leave us a comment below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Real-world MPG and emissions testing
Real world emissions testing

Real-world MPG and emissions testing

In 2018, WLTP and RDE tests measuring car MPG and emissions replaced the older, less accurate NEDC tests used before. The aim was to better reflect th…
Tips & advice
2 May 2024

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: High-spec Nissan Qashqai for £191 a month is a steal
Nissan Qashqai - front cornering right

Car Deal of the Day: High-spec Nissan Qashqai for £191 a month is a steal

The Nissan Qashqai is a family favourite, with plenty of style and kerb appeal. It’s our Deal of the Day for 13 February
News
13 Feb 2025
New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped
Volkswagen Transporter e-Shuttle - front

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped

The Ford-based Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle is refined, good to drive and has plenty of space in all three rows
Road tests
14 Feb 2025
Ford Capri vs Cupra Tavascan: similar, stylish but only one can win
Ford Capri and Cupra Tavascan - front tracking

Ford Capri vs Cupra Tavascan: similar, stylish but only one can win

Ford brought back the iconic Capri name for its new coupé-SUV, which shares its platform with the fresh Cupra Tavascan. Which is the top dog?
Car group tests
15 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts