The European Commission has proposed a string of stringent regulations to cut carbon dioxide emissions from motor vehicles.

Under the terms of the legislation, car manufacturers across the EU would be given until 2012 to cut their fleet's average CO₂ emissions to 120 g/km or face being fined.

Fines for companies who do not observe the regulation will start at €20 in 2012 per new car for each excess gram per km in 2012 on average over the whole fleet, with this rising to €95 by 2015, Reuters reports.

Stavros Dimas, EU Environment Commissioner, said the system of fines is being introduced since voluntary curbs had not proved an effective catalyst for change.

He said: "This will send a strong signal to the world about the determination of the European Union to take bold measures on climate change."

The EC's legislation has proved controversial with several ministers voicing dissent, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed concerns that the moves will prove harmful to her country's car marques' businesses.

Source:

EU agrees steep fines to cut car CO₂ from 2012, 19/12/07
http://uk.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUKL1973383820071219?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0

Europe Proposes Binding Limits on Auto Emissions, 19/12/07
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/business/20emissions.html?ref=business

Ÿ Adfero Ltd