Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Lord Whitehead (Labour) on Monday, 12 July 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 July 1999. It was answered by Glenda Jackson (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 July 1999 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question
Statement on 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. - Inc fact that a copy of the report is in the Library.
Answer

Dr. Whitehead: To 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 Jackson: The 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 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; and effective 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; and developing 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; and supporting 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.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
91446; 335 c478-9W;335 c480-1W
Session
1998-99
Subjects
Consumer information Environment protection Exhaust emissions Fuels Standards Testing Vehicles Cleaner Vehicles Task Force