European Environment Committee debates speed limiters, other measures to cut van CO2
Mon 03 May 2010
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MEPs on the European Parliament's Environment Committee have debated draft legislation on reducing emissions from light commercial vehicles. The Committee's report says that ambitious regulation is necessary to cut van CO2 but that the Commission had failed in its proposal to recognise important differences between the van and car markets.
The various political groups presented their positions on specific issues relating to the draft legislation in the debate led by UK Conservative MEP Martin Callanan.
One of the main issues presented to the Committee was a proposal for the introduction of speed limits for vans. This, it was suggested to the Committee, could be a cheap and effective way of reducing their CO2 emissions.
Anja Weisgerber MEP, shadow rapporteur, for the main centre-right EPP group commented on Mr Callanan’s proposed amendments for introducing speed-limiters, saying that no study had provided “definitive proof” that such an introduction would offer significant emissions reductions.
Matthias Groote MEP, shadow rapporteur for the socialist group said that careful analysis was required to overcome concerns about multistage vehicles.
Speaking for the liberal group, UK MEP Chris Davies said the draft report lacked ambition and was a retrograde step.
In summary, Martin Callanan said that the van sector had been hit hard by the economic downturn and the EU should be careful not to overburden manufacturers in their recovery.
The Committee is due to vote on the dossier at its 28 September meeting with any amendments due to be tabled during May.
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