EU demands binding reductions on car emissions

10.30.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 29th Oct 2007

London Lib Dem MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford has welcomed a report by the European Parliament, adopted during the monthly plenary session in Strasbourg, which calls for legislation to cap average emissions from all new passenger cars at 125g CO2/km as of 2015.

Speaking from Strasbourg after the vote Sarah said: "The technology is there to make a significant difference in a short period of time but the industry has stalled in reducing CO2 emissions".

"Binding emissions targets are the only way we can force this industry to account for its actions. Car makers need to meet these targets by 'technical means alone' without relying on other CO2 saving measures, such as biofuels, special tires, or improvements in air-conditioning systems."

"These targets are a huge step forward in the international battle against climate change, but there is a long way to go. We have agreed today that by 2020 average emissions should not exceed 95g CO2/km. Indeed, we will possibly require further emissions reductions to 70g CO2/km or less by 2025."