“The full extent of the problem is not yet known, but if similar practices are taking place in the UK, then this could well have contributed to the current air quality problem we’re facing,” states Tim Barlow, principal consultant at TRL.
“NOx emissions should not be taken lightly: aside from helping to form smog, they also have a serious health effects, including contributing to respiratory and lung diseases and cancer,” he continues.
“So we need to ensure that all steps are taken to reduce emissions where possible and meet stringent targets.”
Barlow says the VW scandal brings the need for changes to existing test procedures to the forefront.
“Current testing methods are outdated and offer room for error or optimisation, so it’s imperative that industry, governments and regulatory bodies work together to find the best way forward,” he insists.
“Ideally, we need to move towards a testing model that’s based on real driving emissions, carried out with vehicles operated on normal roads. This should be followed up with in-use compliance testing, whereby a sample of vehicles already in use are tested to check they still comply with the emissions limits.”
TRL says it will be actively engaging to ensure that an independent, evidence-based perspective is a core part of any decisions made to change emissions testing.
“If we are able to agree and adopt a unified solution to the problem, then we could see an improvement in air quality, both in the US and Europe,” asserts Barlow.