Tories get tough on car emissions

Monday, April 24, 2006

Tory leader sets tough targets for new cars
Current softer targets may not be met, though
New incentives for greener cars to be unveiled

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Conservative leader David Cameron has outlined tough targets for car emissions which could be introduced if he is elected.

Cameron says average carbon dioxide emissions for new cars sold from 2022 should be just 100g/km, 4g/km less than the car that currently has the lowest emissions, the Toyota Prius. All cars on the road would have to meet this standard by 2030, Cameron proposed.

The Tory leader said that incentives for buying cleaner cars would be offered to motorists, including cheaper road tax and exemption from congestion charges, and said improved public transport was also key to reducing emissions.

Cameron didn't indicated how much the incentives could be worth, and also hasn't said if he would introduce higher charges for 'gas guzzling' cars, too.

Although set over a longer timeframe, Cameron's targets far exceed current industry goals which are aimed at ensuring that 10% of new cars sold by 2012 have emissions of 100g/km or less. Another target is to have average emissions of 140g/km by 2008.

Not on track to hit targets
New figures on progress towards these goals will be published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders tomorrow.

The last report for 2004 showed average emissions from new cars stood at 171.4g/km, a figure which is not on track to hit the 2008 target. Just two cars registered in that year had emissions lower than 100g/km, both of them petrol-electric Honda Insight hybrids.

The SMMT said the targets were achievable but required greater incentives from Government and an increased willingness amongst consumers to consider greener options.

The European Commission is expected to give approval to a new incentive scheme for greener cars this week. The new scheme will replace the previous Powershift grants for hybrids and LPG cars, and is expected to be based purely on carbon dioxide emissions.