Banning polluting vehicles from cities and encouraging the use of electric vehicles
5.10.2017
Question for written answer E-006258-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Carolina Punset (ALDE)
Emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) from diesel vehicles that exceed the legal limit are responsible for approximately 38 000 deaths annually. In the wake of the Dieselgate scandal, various groups have begun campaigning for the existing legislation to be fully enforced. However, even if all vehicles were to comply with regulations, there would still be 70 000 deaths per year globally. In Europe alone, more than 15 000 people are dying every year from emissions that are below the official limit.[1]
Since reducing emissions to legal levels would still not significantly reduce fatalities, the Administrative Court in Stuttgart has decided to ban diesel cars from the city centre as of 2018.[2] The Commission itself has acknowledged that zero-emission cars are the future and that unless manufacturers change their mindset these vehicles will end up being imported from abroad.[3]
Given the pressing need to protect the environment by weaning the car industry off fossil fuels,
1. Is the Commission planning any special measures to promote the use of electric vehicles?
2. Will the Commission introduce a production quota for electric vehicles?
3. Would the Commission support a ban on diesel vehicles in urban centres?
- [1] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/15/diesel-emissions-test-scandal-causes-38000-early-deaths-year-study
- [2] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-emissions/german-court-backs-bid-to-ban-diesel-cars-in-stuttgart-idUSKBN1AD10Y
- [3] http://www.ecoticias.com/motor/174736/Bruselas-cree-que-los-coches-electricos-se-fabricaran-fuera-de-la-UE-si-el-sector-no-innova