A website detailing real-world vehicle emissions figures is to launch this autumn in London and Paris, providing a basis for the forthcoming clean air zone charges.

The scheme will help the Greater London Authority Group lease the cleanest vehicles.

The ‘cleaner vehicle checker’ website provides an emissions scoring tool for new cars and vans using on-the-road and real-world emissions testing provided by Emissions Analytics and the International Council of Clean Transportation (ICCT).

In London, the new scheme will be used to help pave the way for the Mayor’s plans to launch his ‘T-Charge’ on the most polluting vehicles in central London from October 2017 and for the Ultra-Low Emission Zone, which could start in central London in 2019 under current consultations.

The London scheme is also intended to provide a tool to enable the Greater London Authority Group and local authorities to only buy or lease the cleanest vehicles.

The new schemes were announced by Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, and Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, as they met with representatives from major car manufacturers to discuss the need for tougher Euro standard testing and a switch to zero and ultra-low emission vehicles.

Similar schemes could also be rolled out in other global cities under the C40 coalition, which is focused on tackling climate change.

Sadiq Khan said: “My scheme will put an end to the smoke and mirrors that have been employed in official emissions tests.

“It will provide Londoners with an honest, accurate and independent evaluation of the emissions of most new cars and vans on our roads and on the showroom forecourt. By having ‘on the road’ testing I believe we will help Londoners make an informed choice and incentivise manufacturers to build cleaner vehicles sooner.”