Kelly pushes for tougher CO2 targets

A consultation on European Union proposals to create mandatory CO2 targets for new cars has been launched.

Transport secretary Ruth Kelly initiated the consultation, which is aimed at reducing the impact on car manufacturers by making provisions for businesses that will produce more fuel efficient cars, Business Green reports.

The UK seeks a longer-term target of 100 grams (g) of CO2 produced per kilometre (km) by 2020, in order to build on the current aim of achieving 130g/km by 2012.

In this way, harder targets could promote cheaper transport and the uptake of fuel efficient technology, the minister argues.

"It will be good for the environment and for the motorist, as more fuel efficient cars could mean reduced running costs of about £500 for new car buyers," she said.

Last month, the European parliament's environment committee voted that plans to make governments adhere to cleaner, more efficient transport fleets and utility vehicles standards should be implemented two years earlier than originally planned.