MEPs discuss vetoing plan to relax diesel car emission limits

A proposal to veto a draft decision to raise diesel car emission limits for nitrogen oxides (NOx) by up to 110% when the Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test procedure is introduced was discussed by MEPs and internal market Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska on Monday (18 January). It will be put to the vote at the next plenary session.

Parliament's Environment Committee argues that MEPs should veto plans to relax the limits because this would undermine the enforcement of existing EU standards.

Some members called on the European Commission to put forward a revised proposal, as well as plans for a stronger type-approval system for vehicles in the EU. Others stressed the need to put the Real Drive Emissions test procedure into effect quickly, in order to bring down emission levels.

In her concluding remarks, Commissioner Bieńkowska said that vetoing the proposed measures would only prolong today's unsatisfactory car testing regime.

As part of a package to introduce the long-awaited RDE test procedure, endorsed by EU member states in the Technical Committee for Motor Vehicles (TCMV) on 28 October, the European Commission proposed to raise car NOx emission limits by up to 110%.

You can watch a video recording of the debate here.