MEPs yesterday welcomed an agreement to reduce exhaust emissions from cars and light commercial vehicles at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Only unleaded petrol will be sold in the EU from January 1st, 2000, under the terms of the agreement between the European Commission and Europe's motor and oil industry. There would be exceptions during special climatic situations and where a ban would cause severe economic hardship.
In the latter cases, derogations will apply to January 2005. Similarly, unleaded petrol and diesel sold after January 1st, 2000, must comply with higher environmental specifications. Even higher standards will come in on January 1st, 2005.
It is also proposed that from January 1st, 2000, cars must introduce devices to reduce pollution which will be effective for 80,000 km or five years, and must be effective for up to 100,000 km from 2005.
Tax incentives may be used to encourage the early introduction of vehicles with anti-pollution devices and the use of cleaner fuel.
Supporting the proposals, the Munster MEP, Mr Gerard Collins (FF), said by 2005 the sulphur content of petrol in cars would be cut three-fold and the sulphur content in diesel would be reduced seven-fold.
He said he wished to congratulate the decision by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association to accept a timetable to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions from new cars by 25 per cent by 2008.
"The fact that the European Commission does not have to bring forward legislation to push this issue through is an indication that the way forward is by consultation between all interested parties in this matter, " he said.
The Dublin MEP, Ms Bernie Malone (Lab), said the measures would lead to an immediate improvement in air quality, particularly in cities. The proposals had been endorsed by the Automobile Association and tourism groups in Ireland, but had been criticised by the Whitegate Oil Refinery on cost grounds.
"The European Parliament estimated earlier this year that the cost of the higher standards sought by MEPs would add about two pence to the weekly cost of the average driver. I do not believe these are inordinate costs to pay for clean air."
A voluntary agreement is awaited with the motor industry on the reduction of carbon-dioxide emissions. The parliament was told yesterday that there were 200 million cars in the EU and that 80 per cent of travel was undertaken by car in the Union. It was claimed that the new limits, when introduced, would be among the strictest in the world.