MEPs today rejected an attempt to block the introduction of so called Real Driving Emissions (RDE) tests.

MEPs today rejected an attempt to block the introduction of so called Real Driving Emissions (RDE) tests. The new procedure will evaluate cars in real world conditions, as opposed to the current laboratory tests, and help address high nitrogen dioxide emissions from diesel vehicles.

Opponents are unhappy that the new system will be phased in between 2017 and 2020.

However, Julie Girling, Environment Spokesman for the European Conservatives and Reformists Group, while sharing some of the objectors’ concerns, warned that rejection of RDE would delay the introduction of up-to-date tests for months or even years.

It would also have held up the wider national emissions ceiling directive.

“Blocking the whole process of moving to RDE would have thrown the baby out with the bath water,” she said. “Although the RDE measure for new vehicles is not ideal, it will bring clear reductions in emissions of nitrogen dioxide and improvements in air quality while we continue to press for tighter rules.

“A successful objection would have kicked the introduction of RDE testing into the long grass. I welcome today’s vote which finally moves car emissions testing out of the 1970s.”