Oxford study shows UK offshoring emissions via used cars

The researchers used MOT tests of all 65 million used vehicles on British roads between 2005 and 2021 to compare the pollution and emissions intensity of vehicles exported compared to those scrapped, destroyed, or driven in Britain.

Results showed that exported used vehicles generate at least 13–53 per cent more emissions per mile than those that are scrapped or on the road, as well as finding substantially higher rates of carbon dioxide and pollution generation in these exported vehicles.

According to the study, amongst the seven million vehicles legally exported from GB, at least 13 per cent generated more CO2 per km than scrapped cars, and 17 per cent more than used vehicles on British roads. Exported vehicles were also 3.3 miles per gallon worse on fuel efficiency than those sent to the scrapyard.

In a statement, lead author and research associate at the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science and Demographic Science Unit at Oxford Population Health, Dr Saul Newman, said: “Our study reveals that the UK, a leading global exporter of used vehicles with high vehicle emissions standards inside its own borders, offshores vehicle emissions to lower-income countries who are already suffering the most from climate change.”