• New EEC limits on exhaust fumes from heavy lorries
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and buses were agreed by EEC Environment Ministers at a meeting in Brussels last week.
The directive could cost manufacturers up to £1,500 per vehicle, according to a British engineering study carried out for Brussels.
The legislation is "optional" — the British Government is not forced to implement it — and the text has still to be examined by the European Parliament, but British manufacturers will have to meet the new emission standard if they export to EEC countries where the new rules have been applied.
The limits are due to apply to new vehicles and engines from 1 October 1990: EEC rules for vehicles below 3,5 tonnes are already in place.
The new measures are designed to reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. Agreement on emission restrictions had been delayed since June 1985 because Denmark wanted to apply stricter rules in line with current US regulations.