EU acts to curb lorry pollution and congestion (Enfield Liberal Democrats)

Enfield Liberal Democrats <info@enfieldlibdems.org.uk>

EU acts to curb lorry pollution and congestion

March 13, 2009 3:08 PM
Originally published by Sarah Ludford MEP

The European Parliament has backed a proposal to extend the decade-old 'Eurovignette' road toll system for heavy goods vehicles.

These tolls are currently applied to lorries over 12 tonnes on major roads, and relate to the road maintenance costs they cause. The planned extension will allow (though not oblige) EU countries to levy them on lorries over 3.5 tonnes and take account of air and noise pollution and congestion caused, as well as apply them to a wider part of the road network. Cities will be able to continue to operate their own schemes, like the London congestion charge.

London Liberal Democrat MEP Sarah Ludford said:

"MEPs are right to update this measure, since noise and air pollution are huge problems. Europe again has the chance to take the lead, and EU governments must implement this reform as swiftly as possible so we can take another step towards a sustainable future."

"With the European Commission taking legal action to push the UK government to comply with EU air quality standards, Gordon Brown needs to back this proposal to show he's serious about tackling pollution and global warming. Liberal Democrats want to see some of the revenue generated from tolls invested in green transport."