Car sales good news for environment

Chris Davies MEP

A big jump in sales of new cars will bring environmental benefits according to Rochdale MEP Chris Davies.

Lib Dem Environment spokesman Davies has been one of those responsible for pushing through EU legislation that sets higher standards for the fuel efficiency of cars.

Figures just released show that new car registrations jumped by 5.3% in the UK in 2012 as people traded in older cars for more modern replacements.

Over the last five years EU measures have required a 15% increase in fuel efficiency and reduced carbon dioxide emissions of new cars. Targets for the next 5 years mean that by 2020 drivers should be saving more than £400 per year while contributing to a reduction in global warming.

Mr Davies said, “I regularly hear from my constituents that the high cost of fuel is causing serious problems in their day to day lives.

“When people trade up to a newer car they want to see an immediate payback by filling their fuel tank less often for the same distance travelled.

“EU laws that force car manufacturers to up their game and produce cars that go further on less fuel will save commuters hundreds of pounds – and cut down on carbon dioxide emissions at the same time.

“If Britain were to withdraw from the EU we would lose any chance of shaping the rules in future”