DVSA target emissions cheats

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) have announced that they are taking out nationwide checks for emissions cheat devices on Lorries. By using a device called ‘Adblue’, they can circumvent emissions rules. This device is used to break harmful emissions down into oxygen and nitrogen, which are harmless. A vehicle’s harmful emissions can be cut as much as 95% with a full working AdBlue system.

A lorry can produce up to 20 times more dangerous emissions when fitted with such a device. These emissions cheat devices are being used to allow a vehicle to run without a working AdBlue system.

Gareth Llewellyn, DVSA chief executive said: “DVSA’s priority is to protect everyone from unsafe vehicles and drivers.

“A vehicle doesn’t have to be falling apart to be unsafe – any driver or operator who uses cheat devices to get around emissions rules is putting the health of the entire nation at risk.”

All drivers caught with an emissions cheat device or a faulty emissions control system have 10 days to remove the device and repair their emissions system. However, if continuing to use a device or failing to repair the system, they could get a £300 fixed penalty fine as well as having their vehicle taken off the road immediately.

DVSA will then conduct a follow up investigation with the operator and may refer its findings to the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain, who have the power to strip a company of its licence to operate.