Environment Archives - Join the Claim

Is a new watchdog really the answer to our broken water system?

Deborah McCahery — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:48:53 +0000

After years of rising bills, sewage spills, and lacklustre regulation, the government has announced a sweeping overhaul of England and Wales’ water industry. The headline? Ofwat is being scrapped – and replaced with a new, all-powerful regulator.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed says this move will “prevent the abuses of the past” and fix a system he calls “broken”. But with many of the same faces staying on, and no plans for public ownership, not everyone’s convinced real change is on the cards.

So, what does this mean for your bills, your environment, and your right to clean, affordable water?

One regulator to rule them all

Right now, water in England and Wales is regulated by a patchwork of bodies. Ofwat oversees prices and investment. The Environment Agency keeps an eye on pollution. Natural England deals with biodiversity. And the Drinking Water Inspectorate checks the water we drink is safe.

The new watchdog will take on all of these roles. In theory, that means less finger-pointing and more action. It’s been sold as the biggest shake-up of the water industry in a generation. One that promises better oversight, tougher enforcement, and cleaner rivers.

But here’s the rub: many of the same staff are expected to make the jump from Ofwat and its counterparts into this new body. Are we looking at “the same people with a new logo”?

Rising bills – again

One of the most alarming findings in the review, is that water bills could rise by a whopping 30% over the next five years. That’s on top of the 26% hike already seen this year.

For many families, that’s simply not affordable. Over two in five households have reportedly cut back on essentials like food just to keep up with rising water costs. While the report rightly calls for more protection for vulnerable consumers, there’s little clarity on how or when that might happen.

What about sewage?

Let’s not forget sewage spills. Last year alone saw a record-breaking 3.6 million hours of raw sewage discharged into England’s waterways. That’s moved past unpleasant into dangerous.

The government says it wants to halve sewage discharges by 2030. But right now, monitoring is patchy and enforcement is weak. The new regulator will need serious teeth – and funding – to hold polluting companies to account.

Nationalisation off the table

Many campaigners hoped this review would recommend bringing water back into public hands, as is the case in Scotland. But the government ruled that out from the start, calling it too costly and too complex.

Instead, we’re getting what one campaign group described as “lipstick on a pig” – some new policies, but the same broken system underneath.

So, will this really change anything?

There’s no doubt the current system isn’t working. Water companies have racked up debt, let infrastructure crumble, and rewarded themselves with bonuses while pollution soared. At the same time, bills have risen and public trust has tanked.

Replacing Ofwat is a step – but only one of 88 recommendations in the report. And without serious political will, public pressure, and funding, there’s a risk we’ll end up with another toothless regulator.

The bottom line

Clean, affordable water is a basic right not a luxury. The new watchdog could be a turning point, but only if it’s backed by genuine reform, real enforcement powers, and proper support for consumers.

Until then, we’ll keep watching the watchdog.

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Did your diesel car cheat emissions tests? Campaigners demand answers

Inês Gomes — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 15:43:09 +0000

Two major environmental campaigners, Mums for Lungs and ClientEarth, have just been given the green light by the High Court to play a part in the ongoing Dieselgate case – and it’s a significant step forward in the push for cleaner air and corporate accountability.

The campaign groups are asking to access documents that could reveal exactly how some diesel vehicles from big-name carmakers – including Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Renault, Nissan, and Peugeot Citroën – may have used hidden tech to cheat emissions tests.

The trial is due to kick off in October 2025, and this latest development means public scrutiny of the case could grow much sharper.

What’s the ‘dieselgate’ scandal about?

At the centre of it all are “defeat devices”, systems that allegedly helped cars pass emissions tests by lowering pollution levels during testing, only to pump out higher levels of nitrogen oxide (NOx) when on the road.

The result? Vehicles that met legal requirements on paper but may have been polluting well above the legal limits in real life.

Owners of these cars say they were misled. And now, with environmental groups stepping in, the conversation is shifting to the wider public health impacts too.

Public health and environmental impact

ClientEarth recently published a report revealing that these elevated emissions may be linked to around 16,000 premature deaths and have cost the UK up to £96 billion between 2009 and 2024.

These aren’t just numbers. They represent real lives, real health problems, and real strain on the NHS.

Jemima Hartshorn, founder of Mums for Lungs, put it powerfully: “Diesel cars are a major contributor to air pollution. We are all affected by air pollution, every breath we take, and the public therefore has a direct interest in understanding the circumstances in which any alleged historic defeat devices operated and what alleged impact these devices have had, including whether they resulted in NOx emissions above the legal limits.”

Andrea Lee, campaigner at ClientEarth, added: “For too long, auto manufacturers have tried to sweep this scandal under the rug. This case could finally bring crucial information to light and reveal the true scale of what happened.”

Why transparency matters

Both groups are asking for access to technical documents currently redacted or withheld. There’s concern that, without this transparency, much of the trial could happen behind closed doors. Today’s ruling doesn’t guarantee their access – that decision comes in July – but it does mean they won’t be hit with legal costs if the Court ultimately says no.

Join the fight for cleaner air and fairer treatment

If you bought or leased a diesel vehicle between 2009 and 2018, from brands like:

And more…

…you could be due compensation.

Find out more and check if you’re eligible to join the claim today.

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16,000 UK deaths linked to Dieselgate – with warnings of more to come

Inês Gomes — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 08:40:57 +0000

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.”

John Doe

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:

…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.

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Jail time for ex-VW bosses: major development in emissions cheating scandal

Inês Gomes — Wed, 28 May 2025 14:05:10 +0000

Nearly a decade after Volkswagen’s emissions cheating came to light, four of the company’s former managers have now been found guilty of fraud in a German court. It’s a landmark moment. And proof that accountability can take time, but it does arrive.

The court in Braunschweig handed out prison sentences to two senior ex-employees for their part in the diesel deception, while two others were given suspended sentences.

The takeaway? Misleading the public and contributing to environmental harm has consequences.

What is the emissions scandal all about?

These verdicts come long after regulators blew the whistle in 2015, uncovering software installed in VW diesel vehicles designed to cheat emissions tests. The software could detect when a vehicle was undergoing emissions testing and tweak its performance to deliver cleaner results.

British researchers then found that more manufacturers were emitting high levels of toxic fumes. In some cases, the noxious emissions were up to seven times the legal limit. Dieselgate allegations have since been made against several other leading car brands including (but not limited to):

The extent and severity of the allegations vary, and not all manufacturers have admitted to or been found guilty of emissions cheating. Nevertheless, dieselgate is one of the largest corporate scandals in history.

What this means for diesel car emissions claims in the UK

While the headlines may be coming out of Germany, the scandal hit drivers here in the UK too. If you bought or leased a diesel car between 2009 and 2020, there’s a real chance your vehicle was affected, and you could be entitled to compensation.

Thousands of drivers have already joined emissions claims here in the UK, holding manufacturers accountable for selling cars that weren’t as clean as promised. In dieselgate cases involving Volkswagen, UK claimants received payouts averaging £2,120. Owners of other car manufacturers could be next.

These German convictions prove that key Volkswagen managers played a role in the emissions deception. That matters. And if it’s proven that other car bosses were involved too, it potentially strengthens the case for more UK drivers to get justice.

Time to take action: Claim dieselgate UK compensation

If you’re wondering whether your car was affected, don’t sit on it. We’re here to help you check if you qualify and connect you with expert UK law firms ready to act.

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Ford dieselgate case: Legal actions, compensation & key updates

Sarah - Join the Claim — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:31:54 +0000

The Dieselgate scandal, which initially rocked the automotive industry in 2015, has continued to unfold, implicating several major car manufacturers. Among them, Ford faces a significant legal challenge in the UK over allegations of in-car emissions cheating technology in some of its diesel vehicles.

Ford’s use of defeat devices: The basis of the Ford emissions compensation claim

The lawyers leading this case allege Ford installed emissions cheating devices in some of its diesel vehicles. This, they claim, caused the cars to emit higher levels of harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) during regular driving than during laboratory testing.

In December 2023, the UK High Court granted a Group Litigation Order (GLO) against Ford, allowing tens of thousands of motorists in England and Wales to pursue legal action for the alleged emissions cheating. A GLO permits people who have experienced a common issue to have their cases managed collectively – so this was a significant step forward in this claim.

Upcoming trial against Ford and other car manufacturers

The legal proceedings against Ford are part of a broader wave of trials targeting several car manufacturers implicated in the Dieselgate scandal. The sheer scale of the legal battle highlights just how widespread the alleged emissions cheating is in the car industry. Trials are scheduled to start later this year, against Mercedes, Ford, Nissan Renault and Peugeot Citroen. A further trial is expected in Spring 2026.

Ford claims it did not use illegal emissions cheating technology – also known as defeat devices – in its vehicles. However, it admits it did use ‘thermal window’ software to ensure the “safe operation of the vehicle”.

Thermal window software switches off a car’s emissions purification system in extreme temperatures or altitudes. Ford tried to argue the software used in its vehicles was not illegal, but in 2020, the European Court of Justice disagreed – ruling that such software did constitute a defeat device.

Compensation for Ford diesel drivers

The upcoming trial is hugely important for people who own or lease Ford diesel cars. If the court decides Ford knowingly used illegal defeat devices, affected drivers could get compensation for things like lower car value, higher fuel costs, and unexpected repair bills.

Hundreds of thousands of Ford owners may be entitled to payouts. In similar cases involving Volkswagen, UK claimants received compensation averaging £2,120, and Ford drivers could be next.

If you purchased or leased a diesel Ford vehicle with emissions-cheating software between 2009 and 2020, don’t miss your chance to claim compensation. Find out if you can make a no-win, no-fee Ford diesel claim now. It’s free, simple, and only takes a few minutes.

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Ford’s ‘thermal window’ software: Legal ruling & emissions claims

Sarah - Join the Claim — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:06:43 +0000

In the wake of the Dieselgate scandal, various car manufacturers have come under scrutiny for their vehicles’ emissions. And, along with Mercedes, Nissan Renault and Peugeot Citroen, Ford will face legal action in the UK for alleged emissions cheating later this year.

The emissions claims centre on the use of illegal defeat devices. A defeat device is any technology – whether hardware or software – that manipulates emissions control systems in vehicles to cheat regulatory tests. These devices allow cars to pass emissions testing under controlled conditions, while emitting far higher levels of pollutants under real-world driving conditions.

Defeat devices are illegal because they deliberately mislead regulators and consumers. In the EU, UK, and US, car manufacturers must certify their vehicles comply with emissions standards under normal driving conditions, not just in lab tests.

But Ford emissions claims it never used defeat devices – so why is it included in the Dieselgate claims?

Ford’s ‘thermal window’ software defence

‘Thermal window’ software is designed to deactivate a vehicle’s emissions control systems under specific environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures or altitudes. Manufacturers, including Ford, have argued this mechanism is necessary to protect engines from potential damage and ensure safe operation. However, this deactivation can lead to increased emissions of pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) during normal driving conditions.

Ford has consistently maintained it did not employ illegal defeat devices in its vehicles. The company asserts its ‘thermal window’ software is a legitimate measure to safeguard engine integrity and does not constitute an unlawful attempt to manipulate emissions testing results. But a leading court delivered a blow to Ford’s claims.

European Court of Justice ruling: What it meant for Ford emission claims

In 2020, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) delivered a landmark ruling on the legality of ‘thermal window’ software. The court concluded such software does qualify as a defeat device under EU law and is only permissible when it protects the engine against sudden and extraordinary damage. The ruling emphasised using these devices under normal driving conditions – which are common in the EU – is unlawful.

The ECJ’s decision had significant implications for manufacturers using the ‘thermal window’ defence. For Ford, this ruling could significantly harm its stance in the ongoing legal proceedings.

What should Ford diesel drivers do now?

If your Ford diesel vehicle contained ‘thermal window’ software, you could be due compensation. This is because you may have:

Overpaid for a car that doesn’t meet environmental claims.
Experienced increased maintenance and running costs.

Many drivers affected by the Dieselgate scandal have received payouts – so if you’ve owned or leased a Ford diesel car from 2009 to 2020, it’s worth checking if you’re eligible to join a claim.

In similar cases involving Volkswagen, UK claimants received payouts averaging £2,120 and Ford drivers could be next.

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Jaguar Land Rover diesel claims: Emissions & DPF issues explained

Sarah - Join the Claim — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 16:33:24 +0000

Jaguar Land Rover is under increasing legal scrutiny with two major claims against the automotive giant. Thousands of UK drivers could be eligible for compensation due to:

Alleged emissions fraud in Jaguar Land Rover vehicles.

Defective Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) systems in Jaguar Land Rover vehicles.

Both issues have sparked legal action, with claimants arguing they were misled about their vehicles’ environmental performance and reliability.

If you’ve owned or leased a Jaguar Land Rover diesel vehicle, you may have been affected. Here’s what you need to know about these two developing claims.

The Jaguar Land Rover diesel emissions claim

The Dieselgate scandal has rocked the automotive industry since 2015, with multiple manufacturers accused of installing defeat devices to cheat emissions tests. While Volkswagen was the first to face legal consequences, Jaguar Land Rover is now under fire for similar allegations.

Lawyers claim Jaguar Land Rover installed emissions-cheating software in certain diesel models, allowing them to pass regulatory tests while emitting far more nitrogen oxides (NOx) under real-world driving conditions. This could mean affected vehicles are more polluting than advertised, contributing to air pollution and potential health risks.

Who is affected by the Jaguar Land Rover emissions claim?

If you have owned or leased a Jaguar or Land Rover diesel vehicle manufactured between 2009 and 2020, you may be eligible for compensation.

Similar cases have already resulted in major settlements against other manufacturers, with affected drivers receiving payouts for:

Overpaying for their vehicles based on misleading emissions claims.

Reduced resale value once the scandal was exposed.

Potentially higher fuel and maintenance costs due to emissions-related software updates.

With legal action moving forward in the UK, Jaguar Land Rover diesel owners are urged to check if they qualify for compensation.

The Jaguar Land Rover DPF lawsuit

In addition to the emissions allegations, Jaguar Land Rover faces a separate claim over faulty Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) systems.

The DPF is a critical component in modern diesel vehicles, designed to trap and burn off harmful particulate matter before it is released into the atmosphere. However, many Jaguar Land Rover drivers have reported serious issues with their DPF systems, leading to frequent breakdowns, costly repairs, and unexpected maintenance expenses.

Common DPF issues in Jaguar Land Rover vehicles:

Frequent DPF blockages, even with normal driving patterns.

Dashboard warning lights requiring urgent service visits.

Loss of engine power and reduced performance.

Expensive repair costs, with some owners paying thousands to fix recurring issues.

Some owners argue Jaguar Land Rover failed to properly design or disclose these DPF defects, leaving them to deal with unreliable vehicles and financial losses. As a result, a group legal Land Rover DPF claim is now forming, allowing affected drivers to seek compensation for repair costs, loss of vehicle value, and related inconveniences.

Who can join the Jaguar Land Rover DPF claim?

Did you buy or lease a Jaguar Land Rover car with a faulty DPF between April 2017 and December 2022? If so, you could be due compensation. Many affected owners have already signed up, and the case is gaining traction.

Update 4 July 2025: This claim is currently closed to new claimants. But the fight for justice isn’t over. Register your interest and we’ll notify you if the claim reopens.

What these Jaguar Land Rover lawsuits mean for drivers

With two major legal claims underway, Jaguar Land Rover diesel drivers now have an opportunity to seek compensation. Both the Dieselgate emissions case and the DPF defect claim highlight concerns about vehicle reliability, environmental impact, and consumer transparency.

If you believe you’ve been affected, it’s worth exploring your legal options. With similar cases already resulting in major settlements, Jaguar Land Rover drivers could be entitled to thousands in compensation.

Check your eligibility

As legal action progresses, Jaguar Land Rover owners are encouraged to act quickly to ensure they don’t miss out on potential compensation. If you’ve been impacted by misleading emissions claims or faulty DPF systems, now is the time to take action.

The Jaguar Land Rover diesel emissions claim

If you have owned or leased a Jaguar or Land Rover diesel vehicle manufactured between 2009 and 2020, you may be eligible for compensation.

The Jaguar Land Rover DPF claim

Did you buy or lease a Jaguar Land Rover car with a faulty DPF between April 2017 and December 2022? If so, you could be due compensation.

Update 4 July 2025: This claim is currently closed to new claimants. But the fight for justice isn’t over. Register your interest and we’ll notify you if the claim reopens.

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BMW diesel emissions claim: Affected models & what you need to know

Sarah - Join the Claim — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 12:42:41 +0000

The BMW diesel emissions scandal has put thousands of UK drivers in line for potential compensation following allegations that the German carmaker used illegal defeat devices to manipulate emissions tests. If you owned or leased a BMW diesel vehicle between 2009 and 2020, you may have been misled about its environmental performance – and you could be owed thousands in compensation.

With similar Dieselgate claims against Volkswagen leading to average payouts of £2,120 per claimant, BMW drivers could be next in line for justice.

But which models are affected, and how can you check if you qualify for a claim?

What is the BMW emissions claim about?

BMW has been accused of installing emissions-cheating software in certain diesel models, allowing them to pass strict regulatory tests while emitting far more nitrogen oxides (NOx) in real-world driving conditions. These pollutants contribute to air pollution, environmental damage, and public health risks.

The scandal has already led to significant legal action across Europe, with BMW paying millions to avoid a trial. In a separate case, BMW and certain other car manufacturers were found guilty of conspiring to prevent the deployment of clean emissions technology. Together, BMW and Volkswagen were fined €875 million for breaking EU rules.

Now, UK drivers have the chance to claim compensation for:

Overpaying for their vehicle, based on misleading emissions data.

Reduced resale value, as affected cars may be worth less.

Increased fuel and maintenance costs, due to software updates affecting performance.

Many claims against BMW are now closed, but it’s not too late to take action.

If you purchased or leased an affected BMW diesel model, you may still have a chance to join the claim and fight for compensation.

Which BMW models are affected?

Although BMW has denied wrongdoing, multiple investigations suggest that a range of BMW diesel models may contain illegal defeat devices. The affected vehicles include both BMW 1 Series to 7 Series models, as well as X-range SUVs and certain M performance models.

Here’s a list of some of the BMW diesel models that could be eligible for a compensation claim:

M550d

750d xDrive

750Ld xDrive

2 Series GT 216d

4 Series 420d

5 Series

4 Series

If you owned or leased any of these BMW diesel models between 2009 and 2020, you may be eligible to claim compensation.

How to check if you qualify for a BMW emissions claim

UK claimants in similar emissions cases have already secured compensation, and BMW drivers could be next. Even though some BMW claims have now closed, you still have time to take action.

You could be owed up to £10,000 if you owned or leased a diesel BMW with an illegal defeat device.

Take action today in just three steps:

Check your eligibility instantly with our easy-to-use tool
Get connected with a regulated UK law firm fighting for BMW drivers
Join the BMW emissions claim on a NO-WIN, NO-FEE basis – meaning there’s no financial risk to you

Don’t miss your chance to claim what you’re owed! Register your interest now and take the first step towards justice and compensation.

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Mercedes diesel emissions claim: Are you eligible for compensation?

Sarah - Join the Claim — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 20:25:40 +0000

In recent years, diesel emissions claims have made headlines across the UK, with thousands of vehicle owners taking legal action against major car manufacturers. If you’ve owned or leased a Mercedes-Benz diesel, you may be eligible to join a legal claim and seek compensation for emissions-related issues.

Don’t miss out, read on to find out if you qualify today!

What is the Mercedes diesel emissions claim about?

The claim against Mercedes-Benz relates to allegations that the company installed unlawful ‘defeat devices’ in certain diesel vehicles manufactured between 2009 and 2020. These devices are believed to have manipulated emissions readings during testing, meaning the vehicles may have emitted higher levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in real-world driving conditions than legally permitted.

Regulators, lawyers, and consumer groups argue this practice misled customers about the environmental impact of their vehicles, potentially reducing their resale value and leading to higher maintenance costs. As a result, affected vehicle owners may be entitled to financial compensation.

Who can claim Mercedes emissions compensation?

You may be eligible to join the Mercedes diesel emissions claim if:

You purchased, leased, or financed a Mercedes diesel vehicle manufactured between 2009 and 2020.
You acquired the vehicle as a private owner or a business.
You bought the vehicle new or second-hand.
The vehicle was purchased from an official Mercedes-Benz dealership or another retailer.

Even if you no longer own the vehicle, you could still be eligible for compensation.

Why should you claim Mercedes diesel compensation?

If Mercedes-Benz deliberately used unlawful defeat devices to cheat emissions tests, affected drivers may be due compensation for:

The reduction in the vehicle’s value due to the emissions issue.
Additional maintenance or repair costs linked to emissions system problems.

Compensation amounts could be as high as £10,000 per vehicle, although the exact sum will depend on individual circumstances and the final outcome of the legal proceedings.

How to make a Mercedes compensation claim

If you decide to join the Mercedes emissions claim, the process involves:

Checking your eligibility: You provide basic details about your vehicle, and we’ll tell you if you could have a claim. It’s quick, free, and you can do it all online.
Meeting your match: If eligible, provide a few extra details to uncover the regulated law firm ready to take on your case.
Joining the claim: Want to make a claim? We’ll help you register with the law firm. They’ll manage your claim and keep you updated – all on a no-win, no-fee basis. Meaning you only pay if your claim is successful.

Act now to protect your rights

If you purchased, leased, or financed a Mercedes diesel vehicle – manufactured between 2009 and 2020 – you could join the claim.

Check your eligibility now, and we’ll connect you with a regulated UK law firm. You may be entitled to compensation worth up to £10,000 per vehicle.

Act now to protect your rights and claim what you’re owed.

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Mercedes diesel emissions scandal: How it affected the environment & public health

Sarah - Join the Claim — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 20:15:39 +0000

Following the Mercedes diesel emissions scandal, many drivers are seeking compensation for the loss in their vehicles’ value, as well as increased maintenance and repair costs linked to broken promises about emissions.

But the impact goes beyond financial losses.

Allegations that Mercedes-Benz used so-called emissions “defeat devices” in certain diesel models suggest these vehicles may have released far more nitrogen oxides (NOx) than legally allowed. Some experts believe this contributed to air pollution, environmental damage, and serious public health risks.

If you’ve owned or leased a Mercedes-Benz diesel, you may have been affected. Find out how you can take action today!

How did Mercedes vehicles contribute to air pollution?

Defeat devices are software or hardware mechanisms installed in vehicles to manipulate emissions tests, making the car appear more environmentally friendly than it actually is.

These devices can detect when a vehicle is undergoing emissions testing and temporarily reduce pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) to meet legal standards. However, under normal driving conditions, the emissions control system may be disabled or reduced, allowing the vehicle to release far more pollutants than permitted by law.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx), the primary pollutants in question, are a group of highly reactive gases that contribute to air pollution in several ways. Including:

Harmful health effects: Prolonged exposure to NOx pollutants has been linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and an increased risk of premature death.
Environmental damage: Increased NOx levels can lead to soil acidification, water contamination, and ecosystem disruptions, affecting wildlife and plant life.

In the Mercedes-Benz diesel emissions scandal, it is alleged that defeat devices were used in certain diesel models between 2009 and 2020.

Mercedes diesel emissions and the impact on urban air quality

Many of the affected Mercedes diesel vehicles were used in urban areas, where vehicle emissions are a major source of air pollution. Cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham have struggled with high levels of NOx pollution, contributing to poor air quality. The excess emissions released by Mercedes vehicles may have worsened air quality in heavily populated areas.

The broader environmental consequences

The long-term environmental impact of the emissions scandal extends beyond air pollution. NOx emissions contribute to climate change by altering atmospheric chemistry and promoting the formation of greenhouse gases. Additionally, the environmental damage caused by these pollutants can take decades to reverse, especially in regions with vulnerable ecosystems.

This scandal highlights the importance of strict emissions regulations and proper enforcement mechanisms. Governments and regulatory bodies must ensure that car manufacturers comply with emissions standards and do not exploit loopholes to evade legal responsibilities.

Make a Mercedes emissions compensation claim

If you purchased, leased, or financed a Mercedes diesel vehicle between 2009 and 2020 you may have unknowingly contributed to excess emissions. While vehicle owners are not responsible for the manufacturer’s actions, they may be entitled to compensation.

By joining a legal claim against Mercedes-Benz, affected owners can seek justice while also advocating for environmental accountability.

Legal action is essential to protect consumers and the environment

Find out if you could have a Mercedes emissions compensation claim instantly with our free online checker.

If eligible, we’ll help you register with a regulated UK law firm. They’ll manage your claim and keep you updated – all on a no-win, no-fee basis.

You may be entitled to compensation worth up to £10,000 per vehicle.

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