Cash incentives call for going greener
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• Commercial vehicle operators should receive cash incentives to introduce greener engines ahead of European regulations, says the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution.
In its report, Emissions from Heavy Duty Diesel Vehicles, the commission says that operators using engines with lower emission levels should be charged less vehicle excise duty, with savings of "several hundred pounds" per vehicle.
New EC levels for lower particulate emissions are being introduced in two stages, in 1993 and 1996. The Commission does not intend that lower VED for greener engines should continue after the law comes into force, but it hopes the move would en courage operators to make the transition earlier.
Engine manufacturer Cummins believes the recommendation comes too late to make any difference to the 1993 legislation.
It says it has the technology to meet the changes — but it warns that greener engines will cost more because of the investment in research.
The Bus and Coach Council warns that new regulations imposed on bus operators without financial aid from Government would drive many out of business.