Strategy agreed to reduce road transport emissions

Date: 20/06/1996

AFTER months of delay, the European Commission has finally agreed a range of measures to tackle air pollution from cars.

The cost of implementing the measures to be introduced at the turn of the century is likely to be 5.5 billion ecu a year.

The new strategy, agreed after months of internal dispute and intense lobbying from environmentalists and automotive lobbies, aims to reduce road transport emissions by 60 to 70&percent; between now and 2010.

Among the proposals, drawn up following the 'Auto-Oil' programme, is the phasing out of leaded petrol by the turn of the century. The proposals also set limits for fuel ingredients, which have already run into criticism from 'green' lobbyists for being too lax and well below US standards.

The Commission believes the additional cost to motorists would be marginal, while the EU's refining industry is likely to face a bill of some 765 million ecu per annum.

Under the plan, a review undertaken by the end of 1998 would determine whether there was a need for further measures in 2005.

Proposals on emission limits suggest cuts of between 20 and 40&percent; for pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrous oxides and particulates by 2000. Indicative limits suggested for 2005 would achieve emission reductions of up to 70&percent; compared to 1996 levels. But these would be subject to review at the end of 1998, depending on the availability of the latest car technologies and improved fuels.

Emission standards for 2000 have not been further amended over the past month, but are less stringent than in a draft prepared at the end of last year.

Further measures would include metering devices to monitor emissions and better vehicle testing procedures.

Aside from the obvious health risks posed by vehicle pollution, the Commission calculates the external costs of the problem at about 0.4&percent; of GDP, although some estimates put the figure closer to 3&percent;.

The Commission will now produce similar proposals for light commercial vehicles and lorries sometime next year.

Judging by the tortuous progress of the latest proposals through the Commission, they are in for a rough ride in the other EU institutions. With the new standards supposed to apply by 2000, there will be considerable pressure to get an agreement as soon as possible.