The Department for Transport has launched a consultation to tighten rules on in‑use vehicle emissions, after discovering a loophole big enough to drive a diesel van through. Once Euro 6 vans and trucks are on the road, there’s no legal requirement to keep their emissions‑reduction systems functioning.
An MOT only checks smoke opacity, not NOx output, meaning a van can emit three times its legal NOx limit thanks to software tricks or AdBlue delete kits and still pass.
The government wants to introduce unlimited fines by summer 2027.
Why it matters:
This loophole undermines clean air policy, penalises compliant operators, and rewards those who cheat.
The EV Café Takeaway
“Makes common sense. Just close the darn thing.” - John
“Why must we consult on something that’s effectively illegal anyway? Just do it now.” - Sam
Both agree: this should be a simple rule change, not a multi‑year consultation.