Some of the world’s biggest car manufacturers have been accused of installing illegal “defeat devices” in their diesel vehicles. These devices were designed to cheat emissions tests, making the cars appear much cleaner than they were on the road. In reality, independent researchers found these vehicles were pumping out dangerously high levels of toxic air pollution.
As well as being illegal, a recent report claims the ‘dieselgate’ scandal has had serious, and sometimes devastating, consequences for people’s health.
A public health crisis on UK roads
A major new study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has revealed just how damaging Dieselgate has been.
According to the research:
- Around 16,000 people in the UK have died prematurely because of the excess pollution linked to Dieselgate.
- 30,000 children have developed asthma.
- The UK has lost 800,000 working days to illness related to this pollution.
- The total economic cost due to deaths and poor health is £96 billion.
And it’s not over. The study warns that a further 6,000 lives could be lost without urgent action.
A lack of accountability in the UK
While the US has handed out major fines, enforced vehicle recalls, and forced manufacturers to pay into pollution funds, the UK has been far less active. According to experts, millions of highly polluting diesel vehicles remain on UK roads – still emitting illegal levels of pollution.
Commenting on the sheer scale of the problem, ClientEarth lawyer Emily Kearsey said:
“The scale of the UK government’s response has been completely disproportionate to the public health crisis that we’re facing. Auto manufacturers have been trying to sweep the Dieselgate scandal under the carpet for too long. The UK government has the opportunity to finally stand up for people’s health and hold polluters accountable.”
The legal fight for compensation continues
In the UK, while we wait to see if the government will take action, nearly two million claims are currently being pursued against 18 different car brands alleged to have used emissions-cheating defeat devices. Some wins have happened – like the £193 million payout Volkswagen agreed to in 2022 – but this only scratched the surface.
Most drivers still haven’t received a penny but this could be about to change. The High Court has scheduled the first trials for diesel emissions claims against several major car manufacturers. If successful, affected drivers could receive compensation of several thousand pounds per vehicle.
What can you do?
If you bought or leased a diesel vehicle between 2009 and 2020, from brands like:
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Mercedes
- Renault Nissan
- Ford
- BMW
- And more…
…you could be due compensation.
At Join the Claim, we’re here to help you check your eligibility quickly and easily. And, if you qualify, we’ll connect you with expert UK law firm ready to act.
It’s free to check, and you’ll only pay legal fees if your claim is successful.
