| Topic: | Re:Re:Independent on air quality limits - Impending court case | |
| Posted by: | Jonathan Callaway | |
| Date/Time: | 24/03/13 14:56:00 |
| Richard, I think you are being a bit harsh on the Beeb here. The pressure group whose report they base theirs on refer to work done by the ICCT and BEUC who have been making the same points, as have the German ADAC (equivalent of our AA), What Car magazine, etc etc. It does seem there is a degree of agreement on their fundamental point that real world experience differs from the carmakers' own figures, whatever level of manipulation may be going on. Where the issue gets important is that we need to know what vehicles are affecting real world air quality so we know the scale of the problem and can start to do something about it. It does seem clear that the government is at least tempted to collude with anyone producing over-optimistic numbers because that makes it easier for them to claim progress (and defer further action). So it is more important than ever that the pollution monitoring on the High Street is continued (I had been told it will extend into next year but who knows?), this because - assuming bus emissions start to come down as we see more hybrids etc - the monitoring will show how much the rest of the traffic continues to contribute. And we have, I believe, established that diesel engines pump out disproportionately more NO2, that particulates are generated by all forms of motor vehicle but especially diesels, and, finally, that in % terms, the majority of the vehicles on PHS are private cars. So while I accept that cars are getting cleaner they are still part of the problem. All that said, what do we do next? I feel there is much more to do to raise awareness of the issue. From that, one hopes, will come pressure on the powers that be to take effective action. That must include ever tighter and properly enforced emission standards, more vigorous promotion of active travel solutions, and more. Delighted to see you have found ultra-low emission taxis for Boris. Where will they come from? Will they be Lib-Dem policy-compliant electric vehicles? |