Massive fines for emission cheat car makers

CAR manufacturers trying to cheat emis- sion tests could face fines of up to £50,000 per vehicle from July 1 in ‘tough new regulations’ announced by the Government.

The crackdown follows the Volkswagen ‘dieselgate’ scandal in 2015.

It also comes after a consultation earlier this year with the car industry and environmental and consumer groups.

Transport minister Jesse Norman said: ‘There has rightly been a huge public outcry against car manufacturers that have been cheating on emissions standards. Their behaviour has been dishonest and deplorable. These tough new regulations are designed to ensure that those who cheat will be held to proper account.’

German car giant VW admitted installing ‘defeat-devices’ in 11million cars worldwide. The cars produced far more toxic nitrogen oxide on the road than in the lab. Audis, Seats and Skodas were involved. If the new rules had been in force, the firm could have faced a fine of up to £60billion – enough to put it out of business.

VW agreed to pay up to $25billion (£19million) to settle claims in the US. It has not paid a penny here, saying it has not broken UK laws. The Government has not ruled out taking legal action against VW and is pressuring it to compensate British car owners.