PURPOSE : to reduce pollutant emissions from motor vehicles.
COMMUNITY MEASURE : Directive 51/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the reduction of pollutant emissions from two- and three- wheel motor vehicles and amending Directive 97/24/EC.
CONTENT : By qualified majority the Council adopted, with the United Kingdom delegation abstaining, the Directive on the reduction of the level of pollutant emissions from two and three-wheeled motor vehicles and amending Directive 97/24/EC. The Directive sets stricter limits than those contained in Directive 97/24/EC for two and three-wheeled motor vehicles, applicable from 2003 for new types of vehicles and from 2004 for all vehicles, to help reduce the emission of hydrocarbons.
The Directive contains the following elements:
-a set of optional values to be introduced for the purpose of tax incentives. Such incentives must satisfy certain conditions to avoid distortions of the internal market;
-inclusion of an additional stage in 2006 for the application of emission limits, based on further analysis and the development of a new test cycle, with the aim of reducing emissions of NOx and hydrocarbons and, possibly, of particulates.
The following aspects of the Directive should also be noted:
-the compulsory nature of emission limits, which will be applied starting from the additional stage;
-checks on vehicles in circulation to ensure compliance with the limit values. Conformity testing of in service two- and three- wheel vehicles will be introduced from 01/01/2006. Specific requirements for the correct operation of emission control devices during the normal working life of those vehicles will be introduced as from 01/01/06 for up to 30 000 kms.
-taking into account emission and consumption levels in the Community strategy for reducing transport-related CO2 emissions.
-provisions relating to conditions for testing and retrofitting older vehicles.
-the introduction of a new worldwide test cycle as an alternative type-approval for the additional stage in 2006.
In a declaration, the Commission reaffirms its commitment to ensuring optimal environmental protection. Consequently, in its proposal aimed at including a new type-approval test cycle for motorcycles during the second stage in 2006, the Commission will also examine the date on which this test will become the only test procedure for the EC type approval system.
Moreover, the Commission takes note of the decision of the co-legislators according to which it is requested to submit a proposal defining "normal life" and establishing supplementary provisions. On this occasion, the Commission recalls that according to its right of initiative, in conformity with the Treaty, it is for the Commission to appreciate the timing and the content of any such proposal to be submitted.
DATE OF TRANSPOSITION : 01/04/03
ENTRY INTO FORCE : 20/09/02.�