Skip to main content

Transport Ministers call for clarity on NOx emissions, UK begins research project

On 7 June, EU Transport Ministers debated on the best way to cut NOx emissions from diesel cars in the wake of the VW scandal. They reflected on possible ways to improve existing legislation to avoid illegal use of defeat devices and explored what technical solutions could already minimise emissions. The Dutch Presidency encouraged Member States to share the findings of their enquiries with other. The proposal to update Euro 5 legislation on the use of defeat devices would have increased uncertainties, rath
June 8, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
On 7 June, EU Transport Ministers debated on the best way to cut NOx emissions from diesel cars in the wake of the VW scandal. They reflected on possible ways to improve existing legislation to avoid illegal use of defeat devices and explored what technical solutions could already minimise emissions. The Dutch Presidency encouraged Member States to share the findings of their enquiries with other. The proposal to update Euro 5 legislation on the use of defeat devices would have increased uncertainties, rather than bringing the necessary clarity.

Meanwhile, in the UK, a 12 month research project deploying 189 Siemens technology to gather information on vehicle emissions in Birmingham got underway in April 2016 as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to meet EU air quality targets.

The trial uses seven automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and associated equipment at strategic locations on key routes into Birmingham city centre to capture data on the Euro emissions classification of vehicles. The cameras are supported with back office software and together capable of capturing vehicle registration plate information, safely storing such data, using the data to analyse the potential impact of different Low Emission Zone scenarios including the ability to attribute an indicative Euro Class category to each vehicle.

The new project has been developed by Birmingham City Council in collaboration with public services provider Amey and Siemens.

The data collected from the trial will help give an indication of the environmental impact of the ‘polluting’ vehicles (based on a number of scenarios) and explore potential mechanisms to improve air quality in the city centre and develop a Low Emission strategy

Jacob Bangsgaard, FIA Region I director general said: “Consumers need to be able to trust that the car they purchase is as clean and efficient as advertised. Today, that is clearly not the case. The Council should work to improve overall compliance with the law and full transparency, rather than adding uncertain wording to provisions on defeat devices. In our recently published position on the revision of the type approval, we also encourage decision makers to make information available for independent testing houses for additional compliance testing. Our Clubs are already acting as watchdogs for car safety and ecological impact today.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Delivering accurate vehicle identification
    August 1, 2012
    In the Netherlands, TNO, the independent research organisation, has been engaged in a project on behalf of the RDW, the Dutch vehicle registration and licensing authority, intended to look at the feasibility of using electronic means to make vehicle identification more accurate and less susceptible to fraud. Electronic Vehicle Identification (EVI) has been in existence in various forms for several years now but TNO was tasked with finding out whether OnBoard Unit (OBU)-based applications could be complement
  • EU aims to turn ITS theory into practice
    May 18, 2016
    Gareth Horton explains how the European Commission’s Transport Research and Innovation Portal can help expedite research and turn theory into practice. Over the next few years Europe’s transport systems face a number of challenges, such as improving urban mobility while at the same time protecting population health and accommodating the accessibility needs of an ageing but active population.
  • Siemens to develop infrastructure for London's ULEZ
    March 14, 2018
    Siemens will develop software for London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) with the intention of ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place for when it goes live in April 2019. The zone will require vehicles, barring some exceptions, to meet exhaust emissions standards or pay a daily charge when travelling into central London. Work will now commence over the next 12 months to allow the software to be deployed for service preparation activities leading up to the scheme. The ULEZ is intended
  • EU defines and limits scope of tolling concessions
    September 16, 2014
    New regulations are set to standardise the process of awarding concessions across the European Union. In the wake of several inconsistent judgements at the European Court of Justice, the European Commission has approved new legislation that defines a concession. The basic demarcation from a public contract remains the same in that concessions include the right to exploit the work or services provided instead of payment. However, at the point of signing, the regulations impose an all-inclusive threshold of €