MEPs applauded a successful conclusion to the long running fight to set higher standards for air quality across the EU. This followed agreement between Parliament and Council which was reached under the conciliation procedure at the end of June.
At issue were the detailed measures of the Auto/Oil Programme, a package of anti-pollution measures with far-reaching industrial and financial implications. It is intended to clean up road transport in Europe from the start of the next millennium. Ken Collins (UK, PES) hailed the achievement at the time as "a triumph for Parliament", and "a satisfactory conclusion". Gerard Collins (Munster, UFE) said strict standards for car emissions were imperative and he supported the proposals. Tax incentives should be used to encourage early compliance. He also supported the propose directive to improve the quality of petrol and diesel fuels.
Under the agreement MEPs achieved their major objective of setting binding exhaust emission limits for new motor vehicles from January 1st 2005. This represented a victory for Parliament's position over that of Council which had wanted only "indicative" limits or recommended guidelines. The cars will also be obliged to carry anti-pollution devices effective for five years.
In the negotiations Parliament had successfully argued that health and environmental benefits must be taken into account when assessing the cost of measures to improve air quality. Member states will also be allowed to introduce tax incentives to encourage manufacturers to comply with the regulations at an earlier date, and the Commission will propose further emission limits for the post-2005 period which will be even tougher.