Cleaner Air for Londoners

12.00.00am GMT Thu 13th Mar 2003

Motorists will be encouraged to use green fuels made from vegetable matter - and thus get exemption from the London congestion charge - under new proposals approved by the European Parliament.

MEPs have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a target of 2% for use of 'biofuel' in road transport in 2005, increasing to 6% by 2010. The vote also clears the way for Member States to reach agreement on a 50% reduction in excise duties on biofuels.

Welcoming the outcome of the vote, Lib Dem MEP for London, Sarah Ludford said:

"In London we need to tackle pollution as well as congestion. A greater use of green fuel could really help improve the capital's air quality, since biofuels emit between 40% and 80% less polluting "greenhouse" gasses than traditional fossil fuels."

"The European Parliament has also boosted the prospects of those wanting to escape the congestion charge!"

The vote marks the conclusion of the European Parliament's consideration of the 'Ayuso-Gonzalez' report on the promotion of biofuels in road transport on which the Parliament has legislative powers. The sister Directive on excise duties is awaiting agreement by the Council of Ministers.