§ Dr. WhiteheadTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what conclusions the Cleaner Vehicles Task Force has arrived at concerning ways of reducing the environmental impact of new vehicles and improving the emissions performance of vehicles in use. [91446]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Cleaner Vehicles Task Force is publishing its first report today.
The Task Force has developed recommendations that are both practical and cost-effective for reducing the 481W environmental impact of new vehicles and improving the emissions performance of vehicles in use. The recommendations aim to:
Inform consumers through:
better information on fuel consumption, emissions and noise;a clear vehicle label showing environmental information;the promotion of improved maintenance and better driving styles;encouraging regular emission testing at minimal cost in standard vehicle servicing;increased low-cost emission testing facilities, and developing self-testing for emissions; andeffective on-board driver information systems to give data on emissions.Improve enforcement by:
developing road-side emission testing to target the worst polluters effectively;improving the MOT emissions test; anddeveloping low emission zones, to improve air quality in urban areas.Promote technological solutions by:
encouraging retrofitting for existing vehicles;promoting alternative fuels and the infrastructure to supply them; andsupporting research and development into alternative fuel sources, new power sources and other technologies.Support fleet operators by:
developing a greener fleet certification scheme;encouraging the adoption of voluntary targets;and providing best practice guidance.A copy of the Task Force's full report has been placed in the Libraries of the House.