MPs probe car washes

HAND car washes are to be investigated by MPs over fears they are harming the environment with dangerous chemicals.

It’s estimated there are up to 20,000 such businesses in operation. But the Commons Environmental Audit Committee fears the car washes are polluting rivers, streams and ground water with dirt, oil, and detergents. The committee is also concerned about the possible links to people trafficking and tax evasion. It will examine whether car washes are being regulated properly to stop exploitation of staff.

Automatic car washes are estimated to use 65 per cent less water than hand ones – this is because they reuse waste water and only use fresh water for the final rinse.