UK, Germany and France lobbying for weakened cap on toxic car pollution

MEPs outraged as biggest three European countries push for watered down nitrogen oxide targets ahead of crucial EU vote

Europe's biggest countries are lobbying for a proposed EU cap on nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution from cars to be weakened in a vote on Wednesday, despite the VW diesel emissions scandal and revelations that 90% of cars do not currently meet pollution standards when on the road.

The UK has called for NOx emissions at twice the current legal maximum to be allowed until 2019, and for loopholes after that to permit emissions 40% above the European commission's proposal of 80mg/km, the Guardian understands.