New Website to Encourage Use of Cleaner Cars

The Best on CO2 (http://www.dft.gov.uk/ActOnCO2/) website, launched by the UK’s Department for Transport on 31st July, aims to direct consumers to the cleanest car model within the vehicle category that they prefer, ranging from the super-mini and family car categories to executive, 4x4, luxury and performance cars.

Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: "By choosing the car with the most fuel efficient engine in its class, drivers could reduce their engine CO2 emissions by 24% and potentially save a quarter on fuel costs. So the message is simple - the car you choose can help reduce your impact on the environment, and help save money."

With the EU planning to reduce average fleet emissions to under 120 grams per km by 2012, raising awareness about the impact of consumer car choice on fuel emissions and the environment is seen as a necessity.

Will the new website help the UK make up lost ground on its EU neighbours in the drive to encourage the take up of alternative fuels and cleaner cars? It seems doubtful, when you consider the financial incentives to purchasers of clean cars in countries like Sweden, The Netherlands and Germany. Until the British government is prepared to puts its money where its mouth is in encouraging cleaner cars and fuels, however, a new website will have to suffice.