Vehicle Emission Regulation in Europe — The Demise of Lean-Burn Engines, The Polluter Pays Principle…. and The Small Car?

The regulation of vehicles emissions in Europe is described with emphasis on decision-making in Britain and Germany, and analysed from a political perspective. After a long period of negotiations, a solution to the various debates surrounding the issue is now emerging. This involves the abandoning of a specific technology preferred in Great Britain. In consequence, the consumption of energy by private transport and the cost to the public of private motoring will increase further. The British strategy of delaying European decisions in favour of stringent standards which require the adoption of the best available emission abatement technology, was taken largely in response to requests from motor manufacturers based in Britain. Viewed with hindsight, however, the policy was probably a mistake, which while serving the interests of industry in the shorter run, may have further weakened British competitiveness and thus added to the demise of a British owned car industry. The opposite applies to the Federal Republic, where environmental objectives were more quickly integrated into commercial, industrial and European Community policy because of the more foresighted and active role government was able, willing and required to play. The environmental consequences of vehicle regulation, on the other hand, remain uncertain.