Scotland Ash News
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1st October 2015
TerraClean Emissions Testing Press Statement
Emissions testing statement – Martin Dowd, Managing Director Randstad Ltd & Phillip Dowd Sales Director, Randstad Ltd
“TerraClean welcomes the announcement by the government’s Transport Select Committee to investigate vehicle emissions testing.
“As a leading driver in the reduction of harmful emissions, TerraClean has lobbied for some time in favour of more stringent diesel vehicle emissions testing at MOT level. This would involve a five-gas analyser test for emissions over the current opacity test, which is inadequate. The five-gas analyser test, over and above the 4 gas test currently used on petrol vehicles, looks for the presence of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), the gas currently in question. If this had been implemented from 2009 – the year Euro 5 emissions came into force – the current issues may have been highlighted earlier.
“While vehicle recalls are likely in the current situation, it is our belief that a “software update” will have far reaching consequences, because more stringent emissions control could lead to a negative effect on engine performance and also result in excessive carbon build-up and the vehicle becoming less fuel efficient. As a result, a thorough investigation is therefore required before the recall is carried out.
“A recall will also highlight vehicles that have a modified emissions control system – brought about through the illegal removal of Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems for example.
“DPFs are part of a legislative solution to reduce vehicle emissions. There are numerous organisations that openly advertise the removal of DPFs. We have continually brought this to the attention of relevant authorities tasked with upholding this law and our concerns and request for enforcement have not been actioned. There appears now to be a change of tone from the government given the current situation. We would welcome the opportunity to have an open discussion with relevant stakeholders on this issue.
“TerraClean UK is in close contact with its counterparts in Canada – home of TerraClean – to ensure we are on hand provide government with all the necessary assistance and technical expertise to ensure they carry out a full and proper investigation.”