The Road Haulage Association has called for an investigation into the use of fuel cheat devices on commercial vehicles, follow allegations by Channel 4’s Dispatches programme that some haulage firms are using high-tech devices and computerised hacking to disable their vehicles’ emission controls.
The RHA has condemned any attempts by road haulage firms to break the law. “There is growing evidence from our members that technical problems have arisen concerning the emission equipment on some HGVs,” said Richard Burnett, RHA chief executive. “This has led to frustration for some haulage firms who have resorted to inappropriate solutions, which are, of course, wrong.
“We welcome the news that the Department for Transport is to commission a research project to review in-service emissions testing and equipment but this has now become a time critical issue.
“We are calling for an urgent, collaborative investigation by the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency, the Department for Transport and the Traffic Commissioners to establish exactly which vehicles are being modified, and why.
“As soon as the information becomes available we can begin to effectively address the problem. In addition, this will help and support those operators who are having difficulty with the emission systems of some lorries.”
