The Real Driving Emission (RDE) test procedure will require vehicles to be tested on roads rather than in laboratories, replacing the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) lab test.

The next step is for the European Commission and member states to agree on what the limits for the real world tests will be and from when they will apply, which should be completed by the end of summer.

According to AirQualityNews, a Commission spokeswoman said: “At a later stage, we will present proposals to set the emissions limits applicable for RDE testing. These technical rules will remain under our constant review and will be adapted if necessary.”

Transport & Environment (T&E) welcomed the new test rules, which will be the first regime to measure air-polluting emissions on the road.

François Cuenot, air pollution officer at T&E, said: “T&E is delighted that the Commission and member states have taken this important step to tackle air pollution from diesel. Europe now needs to fully enforce the new rules from 2017 to bring an end to dirty diesels.”

The organisation said that the 80 milligram of nitrogen oxide per km limit agreed for diesel cars in 2007 should be met in full. It added: “Member States are relying on the promise of effective real-driving emissions tests to reduce emissions in the future and avoid potential fines for failing to meeting air pollution rules.”