PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE USE February 25 2010
Commenting on proposals today from the DfT that motorists might receive a grant of up to £5,000 towards the purchase of an electric or hybrid vehicle, Robert Gifford, Executive Director of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, said, “The key point to remember here will be not just the environmental impact but the safety record of these vehicles. It will be important to ensure that vehicles entitled to this grant score at least 4 stars on the European New Car Assessment Programme.
“The entry of these vehicles into the market will be a complex one. Some may have already received European Whole Vehicle Type Approval. Some may be approved on a Single Vehicle basis. Whatever happens they must be both green and safe.
“If the government wants to ensure their safety record, it will be important to establish an independent, expert panel to validate the safety claims made by manufacturers. We need to ensure that policy objectives to save lives and the planet are complementary, not contradictory.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact Robert Gifford 020 7222 7732
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