The Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has launched a Cleaner Vehicle Checker to help motorists buy the cleanest new cars. The online tool will help restore confidence after the ‘dieselgate’ scandal. Many Londoners bought ‘cleaner’ cars only to discover later they had highly polluting engines, as manufacturers’ tests didn’t reflect ‘real world’ conditions.
The new tool will provide an independent rating of nearly all new Euro 6 standard cars and most vans on sale in the UK. It will empower consumers to make their decision based on sound, independent information. London’s businesses and local authorities will also be able to use a customised ‘Fleet Check’ service to check their car and van fleets.
What type of car Londoners choose to buy can make a big difference to pollution in the city. Recent research has shown that almost eight million Londoners live in areas that exceed World Health Organization air quality guidelines.
The new tool is just one part of the Mayor’s plans to tackle London’s filthy air. Next Monday, 23 October, his ground-breaking toxicity charge starts in central London. The £10 T-charge will affect all diesel and petrol cars that don’t meet the Euro 4 emissions standards.
The Mayor, Sadiq Khan, said: “Our toxic air is a shameful health crisis and London motorists deserve to know how much filthy emissions new cars may produce before they purchase them.
The Cleaner Vehicle Checker will help provide the accurate and independent information Londoners need to make informed choices and opt for cleanest vehicles.”