Cheaper car driving on the way

Car drivers have been promised more miles to the gallon after a vote by Euro-MPs today.

Measures to increase the fuel efficiency of new cars and reduce their CO2 emissions have been backed.

Improvements of 15% have already taken place over the past five years as a result of EU measures.

The European Parliament's environment committee insisted that current CO2 emissions of 135g CO2/km should be reduced to an average of 74g by 2025.

The move is expected to increase fuel efficiency by 45% over the next 12 years while still using conventional fuel vehicles.

MEPs also called for new test procedures to be introduced that better reflect real driving conditions.

Rochdale Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies said that the decision was good news for drivers, the environment, and the car industry.

He said: "Of course people with stretched family budgets want to get more miles to the gallon out of their cars, and they will be pleased that there is less harm to the environment.

"But just as important is that this target will keep car manufacturing in Britain and across Europe ahead of the game in technological development, building a stronger economy.

"Car makers admit that EU requirements have played a major role in pushing forward the development of better vehicles.

"Europe's single market keeps the playing field level and forces manufacturers elsewhere in the world to meet our standards if they want to sell cars here."