ClientEarth labels UK powers to prosecute emissions cheats “unconvincing”

The UK government has announced a consultation on plans for new powers which would allow it to prosecute carmakers that cheat emissions tests.

However, environmental lawyers ClientEarth has said that the “government’s record on getting tough with emissions cheats so far leaves a lot to be desired”.

Reacting to the news, ClientEarth lawyer Ugo Taddei said: “The government will claim this means they’re getting tough on car manufacturers that cheat emissions tests but their actions to this point paint a very different picture. The UK already has powers to force carmakers to comply with the rules but the government has failed to use them.

“In 2016, the European Commission considered this lack of response serious enough to start proceedings against the government. More than two years after dieselgate, the UK government hasn’t yet issued a single penalty or ordered any mandatory recall for vehicles fitted with defeat devices.

“New and tougher sanctions for the future are welcome but if they were serious about getting tough with emissions cheats this would already be on the statute books.”