Dieselgate pollution claimed 16,000 lives in the UK

Admin

June 20, 2025
3 min read

Dieselgate pollution claimed 16,000 lives in the UK

An analysis has found that the excess emissions due to the Dieselgate scandal has killed as many as 16,000 people in the UK and caused over 30,000 cases of asthma in children. Furthermore, an additional 6,000 premature deaths are expected over the coming years without action, the researchers said.

The Dieselgate scandal from 2015 came into the spotlight after it was discovered that many diesel cars were emitting far more toxic air pollution on the roads. Many of them had software that told the engine when it was being tested for its emissions. This allowed it to fool the regulators into thinking that the vehicle complied with the emissions regulations.

Majority of Drivers Support Pothole Levy for Heavy Vehicles

Survey finds strong public backing for holding heavy vehicles accountable for road damage in London.

SUV Owners Should Pay Higher Parking Fees, Says London Assembly

London Assembly urges new tax measures targeting large SUVs to reduce congestion and emissions.

Rising Bonnet Heights Pose Growing Safety Threat, Report Finds

Vehicle design changes are linked to increased danger for pedestrians and cyclists, according to new data.

Fines and compulsory recall of vehicles, especially those made by Volkswagen, to remove or disable the software took place in the US. But experts say that Britain and the European Union have been lagging behind. This has led to significant impacts on health, prompting a call for immediate action. Millions of highly polluting vehicles are still on British and European roads.

The analysis estimated the impact of the excess pollution released as a result of Dieselgate and not the total emissions from the affected vehicles. In Britain, these additional pollutants have resulted in as many as 800,000 days of sick leave. The cost to the economy as a result of poor health and deaths is estimated to be £96 billion.

The study estimates that throughout the UK and EU, Dieselgate has resulted in around 124,000 early deaths, costing €760 billion to the economy. An additional 81,000 premature deaths are expected without action, and a cost of €430 billion by 2040, even after many of these vehicles are no longer on the roads.

Stay tuned to EyeOnLondon for the latest news and expert opinions.