Vehicle emissions

As part of our commitment to improving air quality, we are currently carrying out roadside vehicle emissions tests and undertaking routine patrols to eliminate engine idling.

Vehicle emissions testing

The vehicle emissions test should take no longer than 10 minutes and will be carried out by trained technicians. The test should not normally be damaging to an engine which is regularly serviced in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. You may be required to rev your engine to carry out the test, if there is any reason why this should not be done on your vehicle, please speak directly to your examiner. Should the vehicle fail this first test then a full test may be undertaken, we aim to keep motorists no longer than 30 minutes in total.

If the vehicle fails the full formal test you may be issued with a Fixed Penalty (£60 rising to £90 after 28 days). However this fine will be withdrawn if you can demonstrate within 14 days that the defect in the vehicle has been corrected and that the emissions from the vehicle now comply with the law. Please note that you are personally responsible for the Fixed Penalty even if you are driving someone else's vehicle.

Vehicle Emission testing is a basic aspect of the MOT test however faults and defects that cause harmful emissions can develop in less than 12 months.