Thursday, July 10, 2008
Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly has today launched a consultation on European Commission proposals to introduce compulsory CO2 targets for new cars. This will reduce carbon emissions, make cars more fuel efficient and cut the running costs of new cars.
The proposed target of 130gCO2/km by 2012 as the fleet average for each car manufacturer across the EU for all new cars will not only be an important step forward in tackling climate change, it will also incentivise the use of technology that will improve the fuel efficiency of new cars.
The Government is also urging the EU to adopt a longer term target - 100gCO2/km by 2020. This would deliver a cut in CO2 emissions from new cars by an extra five million tonnes a year by 2020, in addition to the six million tonnes cut under EU proposals. It could also reduce the running costs for motorists buying new cars by about £500 a year by 2020, a particularly important consideration at a time of rising oil prices.
The Government also wants to avoid the regulation creating competitive imbalance between different types of car manufacturers. The Government therefore welcomes provisions in the EU proposals for setting different targets for manufacturers producing small numbers of cars. A provision in the regulation for niche manufacturers who produce a narrow range of cars is also being urged by the UK.
Ruth Kelly said:
"Tackling climate change is one of the single most important issues we face. Harmful road transport emissions continue to rise and it is important we act now to reduce them.
"That is why we support this move to introduce mandatory CO2 targets for new cars - and are taking the lead in urging the adoption of a tougher target from 2020. This has potential for being the biggest CO2 saving measure in transport.
"It will be good for the environment and for the motorist, as more fuel efficient cars could mean reduced running costs of about £500 for new car buyers.
"But we also want to ensure that it does not unfairly impact on car manufacturers, particularly those that produce niche vehicles or a small volume of vehicles.
"That is why we argued for provisions that ensure these manufacturers are not unfairly penalised, whilst still producing more efficient vehicles that have a less harmful impact on the environment."
The consultation formally closes on 3 October but those who wish to respond are urged to do so as soon as possible.
The proposed target of 130gCO2/km by 2012 as the fleet average for each car manufacturer across the EU for all new cars will not only be an important step forward in tackling climate change, it will also incentivise the use of technology that will improve the fuel efficiency of new cars.
The Government is also urging the EU to adopt a longer term target - 100gCO2/km by 2020. This would deliver a cut in CO2 emissions from new cars by an extra five million tonnes a year by 2020, in addition to the six million tonnes cut under EU proposals. It could also reduce the running costs for motorists buying new cars by about £500 a year by 2020, a particularly important consideration at a time of rising oil prices.
The Government also wants to avoid the regulation creating competitive imbalance between different types of car manufacturers. The Government therefore welcomes provisions in the EU proposals for setting different targets for manufacturers producing small numbers of cars. A provision in the regulation for niche manufacturers who produce a narrow range of cars is also being urged by the UK.
Ruth Kelly said:
"Tackling climate change is one of the single most important issues we face. Harmful road transport emissions continue to rise and it is important we act now to reduce them.
"That is why we support this move to introduce mandatory CO2 targets for new cars - and are taking the lead in urging the adoption of a tougher target from 2020. This has potential for being the biggest CO2 saving measure in transport.
"It will be good for the environment and for the motorist, as more fuel efficient cars could mean reduced running costs of about £500 for new car buyers.
"But we also want to ensure that it does not unfairly impact on car manufacturers, particularly those that produce niche vehicles or a small volume of vehicles.
"That is why we argued for provisions that ensure these manufacturers are not unfairly penalised, whilst still producing more efficient vehicles that have a less harmful impact on the environment."
The consultation formally closes on 3 October but those who wish to respond are urged to do so as soon as possible.
posted by transport blogs
@ 10:20 PM
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