Fleet operators will soon be able to double check nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions of their vehicles when a new website launches in the autumn.

The Cleaner Vehicle Checker will show how much NOx cars pump out, helping fleet buyers and company car drivers make better-informed decisions when it comes to choosing less polluting vehicles.

After the ‘Dieselgate’ emissions scandal and ongoing scepticism over official fuel consumption figures, the scheme aims to provide an honest, accurate and independent evaluation of the emissions of most new cars and vans on our roads.

It is also intended to give a free ‘health check’ service to UK fleets and help operators understand how their current fleet performs and identify where significant improvements could be made.

Additionally, manufacturers could feel encouraged to produce vehicles that conform to the EU’s full ‘real-world driving emissions’ standards much sooner than when legally required by 2021.

Although the scheme has been devised by the mayors of London and Paris, it will be available throughout the UK when it finally goes live.

London mayor Sadiq Khan believes his scheme will “put an end to the smoke and mirrors that have been employed in official emissions tests”.

He comments: “It is a fantastic example of how big cities around the world can pool their expertise and their influence to encourage big industry to clean up its act.

“The toxicity of the air in London and many other big cities is an outrage, and schemes of the type we are introducing in London and Paris have the potential to make a massive difference to the quality of the air we all breathe.”

Ben Robb, brand manager at The Fuelcard People, adds: “Any actions aimed to improve London’s air quality and encourage lower emitting vehicles should be applauded. We hope UK fleet operators find the Cleaner Vehicle Checker to be a worthwhile and valuable tool.”