Emissions issues and irregularities – the scandal so far

Emissions issues and irregularities became a hot topic when the VW “Dieselgate” scandal first emerged in the press way back in 2015.

Since then, legal actions have been settled in England and Wales against Volkswagen, and dozens of other carmakers now stand accused of engaging in similar behaviour.

Whilst vehicle manufacturers continue to strongly deny that they have done anything wrong, our mission is to get to the bottom of any allegations made and fight for justice where they are proven. You can check if you are eligible to join an emissions compensation action quickly and easily here now.

About the emissions issues and irregularities

Emissions issues and irregularities have plagued the globe since news of the first “Dieselgate” scandal emerged in 2015, affecting Volkswagen.

One of the most common allegations that arises from the VW matters is that carmakers are alleged to have deployed software and technology in vehicles that could amount to a “defeat device”. What this means is that the technology may be able to alter emissions outputs during test environments to allow vehicles to meet the regulations in place. However, when the vehicle is being used in non-test driving conditions, such defeat device technology could disengage emissions controls to allow far more dangerous and deadly pollutants to be emitted.

This could work in several different ways. The Volkswagen allegations centred around the technology “knowing” when a vehicle was engaged in test conditions. This was said to be based on things such as how the vehicle was moving, and perhaps even its speed. In essence, you could allow the technology to remain engaged under strict conditions reflective of a test environment but, when those conditions are broken, the technology could then allow far more pollutants to be emitted.

Allegations against other carmakers have been about manipulating so-called “thermal windows”, or ways in which vehicles are allowed to prevent more pollutants to protect engines. Whilst the regulations in place are there to reduce emissions and protect our health and our environment, there can be legitimate conditions in which technology can alter emissions outputs for things such as protecting components inside vehicles. The argument then is about whether such allowances and technology have been used almost as an excuse to intentionally break emissions regulations. Proving intent in a case like this could be difficult, although many carmakers around the world have succumbed to legal actions and fines.

What can people do about the problems?

If you are one of those affected by the emissions issues and irregularities in England and Wales, you could be eligible to pursue a claim for compensation. Legal cases are being launched against dozens of carmakers, and the easiest way to find out if you could be eligible to claim is to complete a claims form here.

For eligible clients, we are able to offer No Win, No Fee legal representation.

How we can help now

Your Lawyers – The Car Emissions Lawyers – have been engaged in legal action in respect of emissions issues and irregularities since the first “Dieselgate” scandal emerged in 2015. Our mission is to hold any carmakers to account where allegations of cheating regulations are proven to be true. Our aim is to achieve some form of justice by way of a compensation claim for those affected, and to help to punish any carmaker that is engaged in behaviour that could harm human health or our environment.

You can check if you are eligible to claim here now.