Stricter emissions tests to be implemented to “clean up our air”

New models of diesel and petrol cars will soon have to pass strict new emissions tests before they are allowed on Britain’s roads.

Under the old test, vehicles were tested in the lab on a rolling road but now they will have a 90-minute real world driving test. It will recreate a real life mix of urban, countryside and motorway driving.

It is due to be implemented from next week, 1 September 2017.

The nitrogen oxide emissions requirements for all new car models will be stricter again from 1 September 2020.

During the 90-minute test, vehicles will have emissions testing equipment attached to the exhaust pipe, and they must pass before they are approved to go on sale in Britain.

The vehicle will have to do roughly equal splits of town, countryside and motorway driving. The test will then be rolled out for all new cars on sale in Britain from 1 September 2019.

Transport minister, Paul Maynard, commented: “This government has led the way in Europe pushing for on-road emissions tests, alongside a tough new laboratory test, to clean up air in our towns and cities.

“This will ensure all vehicles meet rigorous standards when driven on our roads – and we are going even further tightening requirements again in 2020.”