Are European CO2 proposals for vans fair?

Van drivers may be aware that correctly inflated tyres can help cut CO2 emissions, but they may now need to take further action to be green.

The European Commission wants to set manufacturers a fleet average target of 175g CO2/km or 42.8 mpg from 2014.

It is hoped the new regulations will be completely implemented by 2016.

However, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) wants the European policy-makers to set more "realistic" guidelines.

The organisation feels that the lead-times are too short to enable companies to deliver affordable vehicles to the market on time.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said businesses do not currently have the money to invest in news autos due to the recession.

"In the current economic climate, the EU regulation must maintain the sector's diversity while encouraging innovation and the move to low carbon models," he stated.

Smaller steps – such as fitting the correct tyres to a van – can help fleets lower the amount of carbon dioxide they produce.

Not only can correctly inflated tyres reduce carbon footprints, they can also prolong the life of the wheels.