EU BOOST FOR ECO-FRIENDLY VEHICLES
October 15, 2008 12:00 AM
North East Lib Dem MEP Fiona Hall has welcomed confirmation from the European Commission that the Commission will come forward next year with draft legislation on emission performance standards for new light commercial vehicles and minibuses.
This goes hand in hand with a similar proposal covering passenger cars which was presented in December 2007 and is currently passing through the European Parliament and the Council.
The news is set to boost the North East's already thriving environmentally- friendly vehicle manufacturing sector.
After visiting the Tanfield Group in Washington, Fiona said, "CO2 emissions from road transport continue to rise so this proposed legislation will have an important role to play in tackling climate change.
"I am particularly interested in the potential for electric vehicles in the commercial sector. Many urban fleet vehicles do predictable journeys during the day and come back to a base at night so recharging is easy to arrange. Here in the North East, Tanfield already have a thriving business producing electric vans and are looking to expand their range.
"New curbs on CO2 from commercial vehicles will therefore not only benefit the planet but are also set to produce growth and jobs in the North East."
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