Reports:

Permitting 44 tonne lorries for general use in the UK: Final report

4. Euro II emission standards

4.1. We originally recommended that any lorry operating at 44 tonnes must meet Euro II emission standards aimed at cutting local air pollution. The incentive to operate at 44 tonnes should encourage the renewal and upgrading of the vehicle fleet to offer higher emissions standards and this fulfils the CfIT's remit under the White Paper.

4.2. Trade associations' report that hauliers have already invested in Euro II tractor units, and that the more stringent Euro III standards are mandatory on all new tractor units since October 2000.

4.3. Overall, the policy of enforcing more stringent standards on HGV construction is having a positive effect on the environment, as Vehicle Inspectorate data for 1999 shows the HGV emissions failure rate has fallen to half that of three years ago.

To further encourage operators to reduce emissions, the Government has made some £30 million available for retrofitting vehicles with the latest technology, on a first-come, first-served basis.

4.4. This recommendation has been met and no further work is necessary.

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