[Index]
The UNECE sets stricter exhaust emission
standards
for heavy transport vehicles
Geneva, 8 February 2002
In the context of the World Forum for Harmonization of
Vehicle Regulations (WP.29), a large number of UNECE member countries have
decided not to approve any more new lorries, buses or coaches of more than 3.5
tonnes if they do not comply with a new set of stricter exhaust emission
standards.
The new standards, identical to the EU EURO 3 standards,
establish limits for the exhaust emissions of carbon monoxide (CO),
hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates (PT), which
represent a 30% reduction compared with the previous limits.
The UNECE has also established that, as from 1 October
2005, those emission limits will be replaced by another set of still lower
emission standards, equivalent to the EU EURO 4 standards, which will
represent a further 30% reduction in the emission limits of CO, HC and NOx and a further 80% reduction for PT.
A further 43% reduction in the emission limits of NOx has
already been adopted for mandatory implementation as from 1 October 2008.
These regulatory improvements have been made possible by
the cooperative work of Governments, the European Commission and international
organizations representing the car manufacturing industry, road users and
consumers, acting together in the framework of WP.29.
WP.29, which works under the auspices of the UNECE Inland
Transport Committee, develops UNECE vehicle regulations, which may concern not
only emissions but also the various safety aspects of the many types of road
vehicles. They are developed so far in the legal framework of an Agreement
known as the 1958 Agreement. About 115 such Regulations are annexed to
this Agreement. In future, global regulations will be developed in the
framework of a new global Agreement already in force.
For further information, please visit the website http://www.unece.org/trans or contact:
Mr. José Capel Ferrer, Director, or
Mr. Jan Jerie, Secretary to WP.29
UNECE Transport Division
Palais des Nations
CH - 1211 Geneva 10
Phone: +41(0)22 917 24 01
Fax: +41(0)22 917 00 39
E-mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
Ref: ECE/TRANS/02/03