Weak EU tests for diesel emissions are ‘illegal’, say lawyers

Loopholes in planned 'real world' tests allow cars to emit double the standard for NOx pollution and are 'legally indefensible' say MEPs, after new advice revealed

Planned new 'real driving emissions' (RDE) test limits that would let cars substantially breach nitrogen oxide (NOx) standards are illegal under EU law, according to new legal analysis seen by the Guardian.

The proposed 'Euro 6' tests would allow diesel cars to emit more than double the bloc's '80 mg per km' standard for NOx emissions from 2019, and more than 50% above it indefinitely from 2021.