05 Sep 08 10:50
The European Parliament has decided to approve amendments to the European Commission's proposals for upcoming carbon dioxide emission limits.
The EC proposed a limit of 130g/km to come into force in 2012, with manufacturers fined for each car sold that exceeded that limit - 20 Euros per car in 2012, rising to 95 Euros per gram in 2015.
However, the amendments now suggest a flat-fee 40 Euros per car over the limit, giving manufacturers until 2015 to meet the standard.
Measures will also be introduced to encourage the production of more low-polluting cars. Each vehicle sold which emits less than 70g/km could offset five other vehicles' fines until 2016. A final decision on this ruling will be made next month.
