The European Union has announced the introduction of new regulations that will give the European Commission the power to recall vehicles and revoke their roadworthiness certification if they breach emission limits. Previously such action could only be taken by national authorities, but it was felt that a coordinated approach was required to avoid a repeat of Volkswagen Group's diesel scandal.

The regulations mean the European Union now has executive power to check cars for compliance and where required order recalls across all member countries, including Ireland. They will also be able to impose fines of up €30,000 per car for both emission and safety breaches by car makers. The commission believes that such regulation will bring about much fast rectification where problems arise.

As part of the new measures the European Commission will start conducting its own new vehicle checks and is investing €7m in two testing labs.