EU targets lorry drivers to boost air quality

EU member states will be able to implement charges for heavy goods vehicle drivers in an attempt to improve air quality across the continent.

Representatives voted in favour of the measures when the European Parliament met yesterday (June 7th 2011).

The upgraded Eurovignette Directive will afford countries greater flexibility when calculating appropriate charges for lorries that are deemed to create the most pollution.

Vice president of the European Commission in charge of transport Siim Kallas believes the ruling should encourage more hauliers to develop eco-friendly ways of going about their business.

"This is a very important step in the right direction towards creating a fair financial environment where prices across different transport modes reflect the real costs to society and the taxpayer," the representative added.

Last week, Transport for London announced it was trialling a new green bus to be potentially used in the city, as the organisation desperately seeks ways in which to improve the air quality across the capital.

Posted by Joseph Hutton