Final report of the Cleaner Vehicles Task Force - Government response: Annex A

Recommendation:

Addressed to:

Action / update:

Other relevant initiatives:

1

Provide clear and simple information about incentives (taxes and grants) to all who need it eg: through annual road tax reminders sent out from DVLA.

Government, DVLA

DETR/DVLA working group is considering publicity issues. In preparation for the introduction of graduated VED, the VCA booklet "guide to new car fuel consumption and emissions" has been extended and improved to include information on CO₂. A CO₂ database is available on the VCA's website, and easily accessible from Government sites. Leaflets publicising the new VED system have been prepared and are being distributed with annual road tax reminders.

Environmental information will be increasingly important in vehicle taxation, and we will continue to improve the quality and ease of access to information.

2

Involve industry in the decision-making process at an early stage.

Government

DETR will continue to hold regular liaison meetings with the oil and motor industry.

3

Provide more information on vehicle taxation (eg. on the vehicle excise provide information about vehicle taxation eg. the VED bands that cars fall into in showrooms, advertisements, model-specific literature and websites. All those selling or providing information about vehicles over the internet should provide environmental information, or links to sites that do.

Manufacturers, Dealers, Motoring organisations

Government welcomes this recommendation, and will work with the industry and motoring organisations to improve the quality and ease of access to information on vehicle taxation.

SMMT is exploring ways to make the best use of the information already available and bring it to a wider audience by:

- co-ordinating and collating environmental information which is provided in Manufacturers' literature,
- discussing with RMIF how best to provide guidance and information on environmental issues to dealers,
- exploring with DVLA, DETR and DTI establishing wider links to websites.

RAC is working with DVLA to put information on new VED system on RAC website.

AA will be providing this information along with advice relating to vehicle selection and operation, safety and environmental performance, fuel consumption, legal advice, servicing and security.

4

Build on the fuel-efficiency improvements already made by introducing a new generation of substantially more fuel-efficient vehicles that meet the whole range of consumers' requirements.

Manufacturers

SMMT introduced its sustainability strategy earlier this year. Annual reviews will report on improvements and developments from SMMT members. The sustainability strategy commits participants to achieving environmental improvements. The first report was published on 25 September 2000:
http://www.smmt.co.uk/

5

Bring together a group including motor manufacturers and other organisations (including consumer groups) to draw up an awareness strategy by mid 2001.

Government (DETR)

Government will establish a working group, and begin drawing up a strategy by Winter 2000.

6

Work with organisations trusted by the general public to promote the messages in the Are you doing your bit? Campaign.

Government (DETR)

(see recommendation 5)
Awareness strategy will set out what roles organisations have to play, and how best to promote the messages, in "Are you doing your bit?" and other relevant campaigns.

RAC runs a challenge for secondary schools "Grass Routes" to raise awareness of transport and environment issues. This initiative has been short-listed for the Automotive World Environment Award 2000.

7

Set up a group to consider whether consumers need more information about second-hand vehicles, goods vehicles, buses and motorbikes straight away.

Government (DETR)

Government is considering the best ways to consult on these issues, including through existing groups (such as the Road Haulage Forum and Motorists' Forum).

8

Consider establishing a high profile annual publicity event to promote greener driving.

Government (DETR)

See recommendations 5 and 6 above.

9

Set up an enhanced driver education programme, including an additional lesson for new drivers on greener driving. Government should consider working with the insurance industry to introduce a scheme to give reduced premiums to drivers who have undergone additional driver training.

Government (DETR)

The Government's Road Safety strategy includes "promoting the sustainable development agenda within driving" and addresses issues of driver testing and training.

"Pass plus" is a certificated scheme, backed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and by insurers, to encourage newly qualified drivers to improve their skills. It consists of 6 additional training sessions, following a successful practical driving test, with a focus on safety and better driving. A number of insurance companies give discounts to drivers who have successfully completed the programme.

10

Consider whether grants should be provided to encourage better vehicle maintenance, and the best way such grants could be used.

Government (DETR)

We do not consider this recommendation to be practicable or cost-effective. However, Government is considering other ways which might be more effective (such as incentives to encourage retrofitting of catalytic converters).

RAC provides guidance (leaflets and website) on responsible motoring which includes advice on maintenance.

11

Take forward the recommendations arising from the Vehicle Environmental Ratings Schemes project, consulting with industry as necessary.

Government (DETR) SMMT and other interested organisations

Government will consult further on the outcome of the environmental ratings project in 2001.

SMMT were partners in the "environmental ratings project" and, with other organisations will take part in the proposed consultation on the project's recommendations.

12

Give customers more information about the environmental impacts of different models in promotional literature. Dealers should make sure that they have all the information they need to answer consumers' questions about the environmental impacts of different models.

SMMT, manufacturers, dealers

See recommendations 5 and 6 above.

See recommendation 3 above.

13

Continue to promote the SMMT's greener motoring guide and consider using other publicity to promote the guide's messages.

SMMT

Government has produced an updated "greener driving" leaflet and quiz which was distributed at this year's Motor Show as part of the "Are you doing your bit?" campaign.

SMMT have distributed over one million copies of the Greener Motoring Guide. The guide is available on the SMMT website, and SMMT are working to develop links with other organisations, to make the "on-line" guide easily accessible and widely available.

14

Include an emissions check at low or zero cost in their standard service schedules for vehicles in use today.

Garage Trade Associations eg RMIF, IGA: SMMT

DETR continuing to encourage garage trade organisations to adopt this practice.

SMMT are discussing with the RMIF how this recommendation can best be taken forward.

RAC's 138 autocentres include an emissions check in their standard service schedules.

RMIF is discussing with South Cambridgeshire District Council to see if members may be able to offer support in their plans to carry out free emission testing in a supermarket car park. The RMIF also actively encourage members to include emission checks in any proposed campaigns, together with advice on how to correct any of the faults identified as a result.

15

Applaud examples of best practice in the motor and oil industry to encourage all companies to follow the lead of the best.

Government, NGOs

To be taken forward via Government publicity and awareness campaigns, and Government-backed schemes such as Powershift, Motorvate etc.

16

Continue assessing whole lifecycle impacts, building on the work of the Task Force, rather than focussing solely on in-use emissions. Government should take this information into account when making policy.

Government (DETR) SMMT

The Government agrees that continuing work on life cycle analysis (LCA) of environmental impacts is important. The recent research project completed by Cardiff business school, for the Task Force, provides a valuable review of current state of knowledge of these issues. We are considering further research in this area.

SMMT recognises the importance of further work in this area, which is being addressed through its sustainability strategy. Currently there are no broadly understood, standardised criteria for LCA, and further work is needed to establish an agreed methodology.

17

Promote greener driving behaviour and better vehicle maintenance.

Motoring organisations

See recommendations 5, 6 and 10 above.

Recommendation:

Addressed to:

Action / update:

Other relevant initiatives:

18

Ensure that Motorvate attracts as many applicants as possible by:

- Reducing barriers to entry as far as possible; and
- Ensuring that the scheme is seen as prestigious and worthwhile, and is supported by strong national PR.

Government (DETR)

Motorvate was launched in June 2000. The scheme was well publicised and favourably received, and has already attracted many enquiries. A national promotion campaign is now underway and a high-profile annual awards ceremony is being planned.

19

Expand the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme to work up case studies of best practice on greener fleet management and disseminate these over the next two years.

Government (DETR)

We will support a series of regional seminars through the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme to raise awareness amongst fleet operators of the need to improve the environmental performance of fleets. The seminars will incorporate case studies of best practice.

20

Through the system of Green Ministers ensure that Government departments with fleets meet the targets set by Motorvate over the next three years, and ensure that local and national Government fleets set a good example through the use of cleaner vehicles as soon as possible.

Government (DETR)

We are developing a comprehensive strategy and action plan for Government. This will cover encouraging Government Departments and Agencies to meet Motorvate targets, and to procure cleaner, more fuel efficient vehicles and transport services. We will also develop a similar strategy for local authority and other public sector fleets.

21

Encourage Government suppliers who run fleets to participate in Motorvate in the short to medium term.

Government (DETR)

See 20 above.

22

Ensure that fleet managers receive sufficient training on environmental issues by allocating appropriate levels of resources.

Companies with fleets

This will be encouraged by increasing uptake of Motorvate, which provides advice and guidance on best practice. Motorvate also promotes the business advantages of adopting good practice in greener fleet management
- a further incentive for companies and fleet managers.

RAC fleet training services provide risk management, fleet driver training, and advice on environmental matters.

AA is developing a 'DriveSmart' programme for their fleet. The programme will promote a range of environmental and safety advice.

23

Sign up to Motorvate

Companies with fleets

See above.

24

Ensure that fleet managers are familiar with the company's environmental objectives and are involved in planning changes that will affect vehicle use.

Companies with fleets

Government is encouraging wider use of company travel plans, of the setting specific improvement targets under the "Making a Corporate Commitment" campaign, and promoting the wider use of environmental management systems such as 1SO 14001 and EMAS.

Recommendation:

Addressed to:

Action / update:

Other relevant initiatives:

26

Continue to develop its vehicle retrofitting programme, focussing on the most cost-effective options, targeted at areas with the greatest air quality problems and backed up with incentives.

Government (DETR)

Government has established the Cleaner Vehicles Programme to reduce emissions from urban vehicles. Work plan for 2000/01 is in place with £6m funding. The programme will have a total of £30m to expand its activities over the next three years.

27

Monitor changes in the technology associated with retrofitting and alternative fuels and update the CVTF's cost-effectiveness analysis as necessary.

Government (DETR)

Government will continue to use cost-effectiveness models, subject to revisions that may be needed, to ensure that the models used, and the information fed into them are kept up to date.

SMMT supports this approach to cost-effectiveness analysis.

28

Use and update the models developed by the technology and testing and alternative fuels sub-groups and use these to assess future options.

Government (DETR)

See note on recommendation 27 above.

29

Work together to clarify the costs and benefits of introducing cleaner conventional fuels, including 10ppm sulphur petrol.

Government, motor and oil industries

Government will continue to liaise regularly with the motor and oil industries.

30

Ensure that the substantial new investment in the Powershift Programme for 2000-01 is continued so the programme has a sufficient budget to continue its work on alternative fuel and technology vehicles, until the markets become self-sustaining. This aim should be reviewed in 2005 if the market for gas and battery powered vehicles is not self-sustaining by then.

Government (DETR)

Government committed to strengthening cleaner vehicle initiatives such as the Powershift programme. The programme will have a total of £30m to support the wider use of cleaner fuels and technologies over the next three years.

31

Continue to support the Foresight Vehicle Programme to exploit the benefits of alternative fuels and technologies.

Government (DTI)

Foresight Vehicle Programme: The fourth call for proposals was announced on 1 September 2000, focusing on technologies to increase the energy efficiency of road vehicles including battery-, hybrid- and fuel cell-electric systems. Other priority areas include novel structures and architectures for vehicles' safety systems, vehicle detection technologies, data transmission protocols between vehicles and with the infrastructure and anti-congestion systems.

The vehicle and oil industries continue to invest significantly in new technologies which will reduce environmental impacts.

32

Provide local authorities with guidance on assessing planning applications for LPG, NG and electric re-fuelling/re-charging infrastructure, through PPG 13.

Government (DETR)

Revised transport planning guidance (PPG13) will encourage local authorities to adopt a more positive approach to planning applications for alternative fuel refuelling/recharging infrastructure.

33

Provide greater incentives for cleaner fuels and vehicles through the taxation system.

Government

Government is committed to use the taxation system in support of its environmental objectives:

- Road gas fuels already benefit from substantially lower rates of tax than petrol and diesel.
- New graduated vehicle excise duty system favours more fuel efficient vehicles with additional discounts for alternatively fuelled vehicles.
- New company car tax system will also favour fuel-efficient vehicles with possible additional incentives for alternatively fuelled vehicles.

34

Set up a programme to independently monitor the emissions benefits, cost implications and market viability of cleaner fuels and vehicles, and set up a group to continue discussion of alternative fuel and vehicle issues with industry.

Government (DETR)

Government will continue to monitor the emissions benefits, costs and viability of cleaner fuels through the Powershift programme. Government provides funding into the ongoing research work of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and will consider further research.

The Government will establish a forum to review the development of the market for alternative fuels in the UK. The group will also identify what steps Government, vehicle manufacturers, fuel suppliers, and others should take to encourage the targeted introduction of cleaner fuels and cleaner, more fuel efficient technologies.

35

Consider regulatory measures to ensure converted gaseous fuelled vehicles meet minimum safety and emissions standards.

Government (DETR)

Government is discussing with the industry and fuel suppliers how best to ensure that gas vehicle conversions are safe.

The LP Gas Association runs an approved installer scheme to ensure safety and emissions standards in vehicle conversions.

36

Publicise examples of best practice and, in conjunction with industry, provide guidance to local authorities and fleet operators about cleaner vehicles.

Powershift and Motorvate schemes provide guidance and examples of best practice. The DETR sponsored Energy Efficiency Best Practice programme also provides advice and guidance on reducing environmental impacts. DETR and DTI websites provide information, and links to specialist advice.

37

Take a strategic view of the need for alternative fuel refuelling/recharging points within their areas.

Local Authorities

See 20 above.

Government will encourage local authorities to lead the way in the promotion and use of cleaner fuels and technologies.

38

Develop binding quality partnerships with service providers which specify the use of cleaner fuels and technologies.

Local Authorities

See 20 and 37 above.

39

Consider entering into partnerships to encourage third party access to depot based re-fuelling facilities.

Local Authorities

See 20 and 37 above.

40

Lift curfew times for delivery vehicles which demonstrate appreciable noise benefits, where appropriate.

Local Authorities

See 20 and 37 above.

41

Working in partnership with manufacturers to continue to develop a strategic, widely available and publicly accessible refuelling infrastructure for gaseous vehicles, focussing especially on more polluted areas.

Fuel suppliers and manufacturers

Powershift grants are being targeted at urban fleets, to help stimulate development of refuelling infrastructure where cleaner fuels are most needed. For the first time grants are also available through Powershift towards the cost of installing natural gas refuelling infrastructure.

Thanks to investment from gas suppliers, there are now over 550 LPG refuelling sites in the UK with over 1,000 sites expected to be operational by the end of 2001.

SMMT will support initiatives in this area.

42

Set up a network of recharging points for battery electric vehicles.

Fuel and electricity suppliers

The Government does not consider that a wide network of recharging points is currently justified given the limited numbers and availability of electric vehicles, though there may be a case on a more localised basis (eg: in urban centres). However, the Government will continue to encourage the wider use of electric vehicles, and will reconsider this issue as the market for electric vehicles increases.

43

Demonstrate the emissions benefits of cleaner vehicles on an ongoing basis.

Vehicle and component manufacturers

See 34 above.

Manufacturers are bringing low-emission vehicles onto the market ahead of regulatory requirements. SMMT supports these developments through its promotional activities and its sustainability strategy, which will report on annual registrations of alternatively fuelled vehicles.

44

Introduce battery electric, hybrid electric and fuel cell vehicles to be demonstrated, tested and made widely commercially available.

Vehicle and component manufacturers

Powershift programme invites manufacturers and vehicle providers to apply for funding to demonstrate new, clean vehicle technologies.

Government has allocated £9m over the next three years to boost technologies such as fuel cell and hybrid vehicles offering significant benefits for both local air quality and climate change.

45

Target Powershift grants for cleaner vehicles at locations where the refuelling infrastructure is in place or is being introduced.

Powershift

DETR has agreed, with the Energy Saving Trust, that Powershift should target fleets operating around existing refuelling infrastructure, in particular in urban areas. Regular monitoring and review of Powershift programme will track progress on this.

46

Ensure that their funding system reflects the state of conventional technology, in particular by updating grants criteria as Euro III and Euro IV standards become mandatory.

Powershift

A revised grant funding structure for Powershift has been introduced that reflects the introduction of tougher Euro III and IV emissions standards. Regular monitoring meetings with Powershift will keep the system under review.

Recommendation:

Addressed to:

Action / update:

Other relevant initiatives:

48

Give urgent consideration to how better use can be made of existing enforcement tools.

Government (DETR)

DETR regularly reviews enforcement procedures with Vehicle Inspectorate. Currently considering scope for greater use of remote sensing techniques.

49

Provide a greater budget to the Vehicle Inspectorate to allow them to carry out more roadside emissions testing in the short to medium term.

Government (DETR)

Government considering funding of enforcement for emissions testing along with other enforcement priorities. We have recently completed a formal consultation with local authorities on the proposal to extend the role of emissions testing to any local authority that declares an "air quality management area" under the provisions of the Environment Act.

50

Consider a consultation exercise on the extension of the powers to stop moving vehicles for the purposes of emissions testing to authorities other than the police in the medium term.

Government (DETR)

This is under consideration by the Home Office.

51

Undertake research, to be completed by the end of 2000, to obtain representative and authoritative data about the level of compliance with prescribed emissions standards, and specifically the extent of the gross polluter problem. This research should be used to develop targeted measures to deal with the problem.

Government (DETR)

The Vehicle Inspectorate (VI) regularly undertakes random surveys of the roadworthiness condition of all types of vehicles. Surveys of HGVs and PSVs consistently show low rates of non-compliance for heavy vehicles (0.2%). Results of a recent survey for LGVs and cars will be available shortly. Currently considering how best to improve targeting (for example by using remote sensing equipment) See also 48 above.

52

Carry out urgent research into the test requirements for better identification of oxides of nitrogen and particulates from both older vehicles and new, low emission ones.

Government (DETR)

A VI research project is underway which will examine the test procedure for diesel engined vehicles. DETR is planning a programme of work to examine the test for petrol engined vehicles.