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Car Industry "Must Take The Blame" For Pollution Says FOE
11 June 1996
The motor industry must take the blame for the pollution caused by car
use, said Friends of the Earth today, in a letter to industry chiefs attending
the annual general meeting of its trade association [1].
Friends of the Earth has sent the industry chiefs a dossier showing how the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has and is continuing to oppose emission control legislation, and to campaign for lower motoring taxes and more road-building.
The dossier shows that many of the technical improvements made to cars and fuels over the last twenty years, including catalytic convertors, were originally opposed by SMMT. Friends of the Earth called on the industry, which is celebrating its Centenary,to support proposals for tough new standards to clean up cars [3].
Roger Higman, Senior Atmosphere & Transport Campaigner, said:
"The British motor industry has consistently promoted car use and opposed emissions controls. It must take much of the blame for the UK's pollution problem and be more proactive in supporting emissions legislation."
NOTES FOR EDITORS
[1] The motor industry's trade association, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, is holding its annual general meeting today at its headquarters at Forbes House, Halkin Street, SW1. A copy of the dossier is attached.
[2] The German Federal Environment Agency has proposed tough new emission standards for new cars which would ensure that air quality in Europe meets international health guidelines. For further details contact Friends of the Earth.
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Sep 2008
