Automotive industry breathes easy on cleaner air proposals
The automotive industry has welcomed government proposals for improving air quality in the UK – despite criticism that the measures do not go far enough.
The proposals include clean zones within major urban areas but the government consultation does not stipulate where or how the worst polluting vehicles will be penalised.
Much of the criticism is over passing the buck to local authorities and charging them with coming up with creative solutions for tackling the problem, while avoiding any undue penalties on motorists.
Responding to the proposals, Mike Hawes, chief executive of The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: “SMMT welcomes the publication of government’s proposals for improving air quality across the UK, which clearly states that the new Euro 6 diesels which have been on sale for the past two years will not face any penalty charges anywhere in the UK.
“Furthermore, the government is keen that local authorities avoid charging consumers and businesses for driving their vehicles if other more effective policies can be found. Industry is committed to improving air quality across our towns and cities and has spent billions developing new low emission cars, vans, trucks and buses and getting these new cleaner vehicles onto our roads quickly is part of the solution.
“As outlined in the plan, any proposed scrappage scheme would need to be targeted and deliver clear environmental benefits. We’re encouraged that plans to improve traffic flow and congestion, as well as increase uptake of electric and hybrid vehicles, will be prioritised in towns and cities. We look forward to working with government to encourage the uptake of the latest, low emission vehicles, regardless of fuel type.”
Jeremy Hicks, UK managing director, Jaguar Land Rover, said he was pleased the consultation recognised the fundamental difference between older vehicles which contribute to air pollution and the new generation of cleaner diesels.
“Our latest Eu6 diesel engines are among the cleanest in the world, with CO2 emissions around 20% lower than equivalent petrol engines. Highly efficient diesel particulate filters now capture 99.9% of all particles, and we are making further emissions improvements with every new model year vehicle,” he said.
He said the company was continuing to invest in cleaner technology, such as the massive funding pumped into the group’s Engine Manufacturing Centre, near Wolverhampton, as well as its hybrid and electrification programme.
“Older car engines are just one potential source of urban air pollutants, and we’d be keen to see the strategy tackling air quality across a range of pollution sources including heating, public transport and shipping,” he added.
As a guide to consumers, the group said it was introducing impartial and factual guidance, through retailers, so customers could make an informed decision on whether they should buy a petrol or diesel.
“Recent publicity around the diesel debate has caused significant confusion for customers; we are seeing more and more people ask us whether they should be buying a petrol or a diesel. We have a range of both efficient clean petrol and diesel options so we are providing a simple unbiased guide for customers to make an informed choice,” added Mr Hicks.
