UK urges VW to take quick steps correcting emissions issue

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Britain's Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said the government expects German automaker Volkswagen to "set out quickly next steps" to correct the emissions problem.

Nearly 1.2 million vehicles in the UK are affected by the diesel emissions cheating scandal, according to the Volkswagen (VW). These diesel vehicles include 508,276 VW cars, 393,450 Audis, 76,773 Seats, 131,569 Skodas and 79,838 VW commercial vehicles.

That means more than one in 10 VW vehicles affected by the scandal are in the UK.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) earlier this month found that the software on VW diesel cars showed false emission data.

"The government's priority is to protect the public and I understand VW is contacting all UK customers affected. I have made clear to the Managing Director this needs to happen as soon as possible," said McLoughlin.

He also said: "The government expects VW to set out quickly the next steps it will take to correct the problem and support owners of these vehicles already purchased in the UK."

Although the specifics of the recall plan is yet to be released, VW said a "self-serve process" might be set up, allowing UK customers to find out if their vehicles are affected. The automaker also said that all vehicles are technically safe and roadworthy.

A total of 10.7 million diesel cars are on Britain's roads at the end of last year, according to the Department for Transport. Endit