A national scheme to compare the fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions of all new cars was launched today by the Government in an attempt to reduce pollution.
The move was prompted by a European Union directive to educate consumers of the environmental effects of motoring. Under the new regulations, car showrooms will have to provide a comparative list of fuel emissions of all new cars and display carbon dioxide stickers on windscreens.
It is intended to prompt buyers into choosing the least environmentally harmful models when buying new cars. Carbon dioxide emissions are particularly relevant as it is regarded as the most damaging of the greenhouse gases.
The scheme was described as part of the Government’s increased commitment to fight global warming by the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Ms Mary Wallace.
"New car buyers are now in a position to make responsible choices to make their contribution to the national effort," she said.
The guide, which is available from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry website (www.simi.ie), also provides tips for improved performance with different types of fuel and their environmental properties.