Wallonia tests new controls

Since then, the suspicion of non-compliance with environmental obligations has won all the manufacturers. Europe has therefore decided to strengthen its controls, and each Member State must support the fight against potential fraudsters.

New technique

In 2 years, a new test bench would be inaugurated in Colfontaine. But in the meantime, other tests are already done. Especially this week in the streets of Namur, in real conditions.

"The vehicles pass between two housings and through spokes, which allows to automatically detect everything that is emitted by the muffler, the gaseous pollutants and the fine particles, explains Benjamin Bergmans of ISSEP (Scientific Institute of Public Service). A camera also allows us to lift the license plate to identify the make and model. By crossing our emissions statements with the theoretical figures put forward by the manufacturers, we will be able to identify possible differences between the environmental obligations and the reality observed in the field ".

"Huge efforts have been made in recent years by the builders, admits Benjamin Bergmans. But even though this overall improvement is important, most vehicles in circulation do not meet the Euro standard to which they should correspond. "

ISSEP hopes to control over 10,000 vehicles well during the exploratory phase that is underway. Some are likely to be problematic, and will be tested further. Cars and utilities caught in default will then be reported to Europe.