Parliament's Transport Committee is to look into whether the UK's road-worthiness tests are "fit for purpose".

The investigation has been prompted by the Volkswagen emissions test scandal, in which software was fitted to diesel engines in order to give false test readings.

MPs will query whether current tests for noise, performance and emissions are in-line with European Union standards.

Vehicles for the UK market are currently approved by the Vehicle Certification Authority.

"The Volkswagen scandal has raised serious concerns about whether vehicle type approval testing is fit for purpose," said Louise Ellman, chairwoman of the Transport Committee.

"We heard evidence in October that the gap between emissions detected in test conditions and those detected in the real world significant. The testing procedure is clearly inadequate."

A number of bodies around the world have initiated investigations after the VW scandal broke. The cheat software gave incorrect readings for nitrogen oxide, a pollutant that can damage health.

In September the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency found that Volkswagen TDI diesel models had been programmed to give false nitrogen oxide readings. NOx particles were found to be 40 times higher than emissions tests suggested. It is believed that around 11 million cars have had the defeat software installed.

Amid accusations from campaigners that current test results bear little resemblance to 'real world' pollution readings, government bodies are aiming to restore public confidence in vehicle emissions tests.

"It is essential to examine these allegations and to ensure that the government and EU take action to restore public confidence," said Ms Ellman.