Air pollution: cold start emission limits for motor vehicles during warming-up (amend. Directive 70/220/EEC)

PURPOSE : to present a proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 70/220/EEC concerning measures to be taken against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles. CONTENT : the objective of this proposal is to amend Directive 70/220/EEC, as last amended by Directive 1999/102/EC, to complete the low temperature emission limit values applicable to vehicles with positive-ignition engines. This proposal provides low temperature limit values applicable to new types of light commercial vehicles (category N1) of weight class II (greater than 1,305 kg up to and including 1,760 kg) and weight class III (greater than 1,760 kg) that are equipped with positive-ignition engines. In addition, this proposal also brings into the scope of the low temperature test new types of passenger cars (category M1) equipped with positive-ignition engines that are designed to carry more than six occupants and passenger cars equipped with positive-ignition engines with a maximum mass greater than 2,500 kg. Such passenger cars were previously excluded from the scope of the low temperature test given in Directive 70/220/EEC, as amended by Directive 98/69/EC. In conclusion, this proposal for a Directive ensures the highest degree of environmental protection while being consistent with an economically sound global approach and realistic technical capabilities. It will contribute to the improved protection of public health within the Community by setting ambitious but realistic objectives, while giving sufficient lead time to the automobile and component industries to develop and implement the necessary technologies.�