§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to decrease pollution caused by road vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [13710]
§ Mr. BowisMore stringent emission standards have been introduced for new and existing vehicles, the most recent of which further reduced permitted emissions from passenger cars from 1 January 1997. As a result of these measures, pollution from road vehicles is forecast to decline until well into the next decade. Further improvements, which are currently being discussed with our EC partners with a view to implementation from 2000, are aimed at sustaining this decline against the forecast growth in traffic.
Fiscal measures are also encouraging the use of cleaner fuels. Lower tax rates are being applied to unleaded petrol and road fuel gases. It is also proposed to reduce the duty level on ultra low sulphur diesel from May 1997. The Government are currently consulting on the introduction of an incentive of up to £500 for lorries meeting stringent emission standards.