Atmospheric pollution, air quality: limit values for benzene and carbon monoxide CO (direct. 96/62/EEC)

The Commission agrees with the text of the common position, which takes into account most of the concerns Parliament expressed during its first reading without weakening the Commission's original proposal. In particular, concerning the possibility of derogations from the general deadline for meeting the limit value of benzene, the Commission considers the text to be an acceptable compromise. It provides flexibility in the absence of good data on present day concentrations of benzene whilst ensuring that extensions cannot be granted unless it is clearly demonstrated that they are essential.�