Air pollution: emissions from motor vehicles, Auto-oil programme (amend. Directive 70/220/EEC)

The rapporteur criticised the Commission’s overly timid stance. He also regretted that the design and implementation of the Auto/Oil Programme totally lacked transparency given the lack of involvement of social associations, politicians and non-governmental organisations. He then recommended a two-stage approach which would impose binding limits from 2000 and 2005. Finally, he pointed out the usefulness of tax incentives and stressed the need to establish realistic tests. Commissioner Bjerregaard confirmed that the Commission would do what was necessary to respond to Parliament’s criticisms on the preparation of the Auto/Oil Programme II. While accepting a few of Parliament’s amendments, the Commissioner expressed reservations about most of these, particularly those aiming to tighten the limit values for 2000. While considering that adopting tighter compulsory limits for 2005 would send a clear signal to industry, Mrs Bjerregaard confirmed that current technical knowledge did not allow the Commission to accept this proposal.