Roadside checks by the DVSA between August and November 2017 exposed 293 lorries fitted with ’emissions cheat devices’.
Published by the DVSA today (12 Jan), the figure implicates more than 100 lorry operators – who were given 10 days to fix the emissions system, or face a £300 fine and having the vehicle taken off the road.
The DVSA says it is ‘committed to taking dangerous lorries off Britain’s roads’, adding that stopping emissions fraud is a ‘vital part of that’.
In August 2017, DVSA started to include checks for emissions cheat devices in roadside checks of lorries at five locations across Great Britain.
By the end of November 2017, DVSA examiners had searched 3,735 lorries at these locations and found 293 lorries with a cheat device fitted (8%).
Where a driver or operator repeatedly offends, DVSA can take the vehicle off the road immediately.
Gareth Llewellyn, DVSA chief executive, said: “DVSA’s priority is to protect you from unsafe drivers and vehicles.
“We are committed to taking dangerous lorries off Britain’s roads. Stopping emissions fraud is a vital part of that.
“Anyone who flouts the law is putting the quality of our air and the health of vulnerable people, at risk. We won’t hesitate to take action against these drivers, operators and vehicles.”
Richard Turfitt, senior traffic commissioner, said: “Traffic commissioners welcome the steps being taken by the enforcement agency to identify emissions cheats.
“Use of these devices threatens to undercut responsible and compliant operators as well as damaging the environment and public health.
“Traffic commissioners will look to take action wherever an operator seeks an unfair and illegal advantage over the rest of industry.”
£300 looks like peanuts. These devices don’t get fitted by accident so why not take lorry off road immediately – and close down the firm that fitted them.
Paul Luton, London
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