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Lorries illegally polluting the atmosphere with emission 'cheats' face crackdown

Congested traffic travelling on M1 motorway in Hertfordshire - Getty Images Europe
Congested traffic travelling on M1 motorway in Hertfordshire - Getty Images Europe

Lorries that are illegally polluting the atmosphere via emission "cheats" face a crackdown, with random checks beginning in August.

The Government announced a new push to catch operators and drivers that try to cheat the law by using illegal or fake modifications to get around clean air rules. 

Some use methods such as devices intended to stop emission control systems from working or have illegal engine modifications which cause excessive emissions. 

Many of the methods are designed to reduce the cost of operating but can also result in increased pollution.

 DVSA Chief Executive, Gareth Llewellyn, said: “Anyone who flouts the law is putting other road users, and the quality of our air, at risk. 

Pollution | the invisible killer
Pollution | the invisible killer

"We won’t hesitate to take these drivers, operators and vehicles off our roads.”

The agency said it would force any driver and operator  found breaking the rules to have the emissions system fixed within 10 days, or face a fine and ban. 

Repeat offenders will be taken off the road immediately.

Operators who cheat the rules could also have their licences removed by the Traffic Commissioners.

Lorries, buses and coaches must fulfil EU-wide emissions laws, and new diesel lorries must be fitted with AdBlue systems, which limit nitrogen dioxide emissions.

The devices inject fuel with urea, a chemical which removes the gas from exhaust fumes

But in the past some operators have paid firms to remove the devices, which saves money because the urea container does not have to be refilled. 

Last year the Department for Transport launched an enquiry into devices which cheat the Adblue system, leading to higher emissions. 

Jesse Norman, the transport minister, said: “I welcome this crackdown on rogue hauliers who cheat the system by installing bogus devices which lead to increased pollution.

How high is air pollution in your area?
How high is air pollution in your area?

"There has rightly been a huge public outcry against car manufacturers that have been cheating emissions standards, and the same rule should apply here too."

Earlier this year 41,000 British motorists joined a class action against VW after it emerged that the German car manufacturer had installed devices which cheated emissions tests, meaning that cars produced emissions with up to 40 times the permitted level of pollution.