MEPs warn EC not to rush Euro-5 launch
Page 12

If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
THE EUROPEAN Parliament's Environment Committee has published a revised timetable for the introduction of the Euro-5 emissions standard.
Normally a keen supporter of robust environmental legislation, the committee has accused the European Commission of trying to rush into Euro-5 by proposing that it should be in force by mid-2008. Instead, the committee wants manufacturers of new light CVs to have until September 2010 to comply — a year later than the proposed deadline for cars.
It accuses the EC of putting unnecessary pressure on manufacturers: "MEPs regarded the 18month implementation deadline suggested by the Commission... as too early." The committee has also suggested developing a timetable for Euro-6 in advance, with light CVs (ti p to 3,500kg) being covered by September 2015.
German Social Democrat MEP Matthias Groote claims the EC has "a lack of ambition" regarding the level of emissions demanded by Euro-5. He believes -further reductions in the limit values are both necessary and technically feasible".
• UK truck drivers in Britain aged 30 or under could be affected by a proposed EU directive limiting LGV licences to 15 years. At present, an LGV licence lasts until the holder is 45. It then has to be renewed every five years and is conditional on passing a medical.