last updated10th February 05
by 4ecotips.com

Anyone buying a new car will be able to assess how environmentally friendly a vehicle is through new colour-coded labels, which were unveiled by UK transport secretary Alistair Darling.

All 42 car brands in the UK have signed up to the introduction of the voluntary labelling scheme, and the label is due to be in all UK car showrooms by 1 September.

The fuel efficiency labels, which are similar to those currently displayed on fridges and other white goods, will help get across information to car buyers on how they can save money and help the environment.

As well as highlighting the fuel efficiency of every new car on sale, the labels also contain information on how much motorists can expect to pay in fuel bills in a typical year for a particular car, and whether or not the car qualifies for a reduction in Vehicle Excise Duty.

Darling said: “These colour-coded labels will allow people to see at a glance just how fuel-efficient a particular vehicle is, and - critically - how it compares with other models. The labels can also display the VED (tax disc) band that the car is in, which will enable motorists to recognise instantly cars which benefit from lower rates.

“This shows the UK Government's commitment to tackling climate change. It shows what can be done when Government, industry and other stakeholders work in partnership to achieve shared goals. The labels will send a clear message to motorists that they can make a real difference by choosing clean, fuel-efficient cars."

The voluntary labelling scheme has been developed by the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP), a group set up by Government in 2003 to help find new ways of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases from road transport.