76/494/EEC: Council recommendation of 4 May 1976 on the rational use, through better driving habits, of energy consumed by road vehicles
Date: 1976-05-04
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: consumer behaviour, energy use, motor vehicle, public awareness campaign













EUR-Lex - 31976H0494 - EN






Avis juridique important




|



31976H0494

76/494/EEC: Council recommendation of 4 May 1976 on the rational use, through better driving habits, of energy consumed by road vehicles  


Official Journal L 140 , 28/05/1976 P. 0014 - 0015 Greek special edition: Chapter 12 Volume 1 P. 0132  Spanish special edition: Chapter 12 Volume 2 P. 0117  Portuguese special edition Chapter 12 Volume 2 P. 0117  





COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION  of 4 May 1976  on the rational use, through better driving habits, of energy consumed by road vehicles  (76/494/EEC)  THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,  Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,  Having regard to the draft from the Commission,  Whereas, in its resolution of 17 September 1974 concerning a new energy policy strategy for the Community (1), the Council accepted as an objective the "reduction of the rate of growth of internal consumption by measures for using energy rationally and economically without jeopardizing social and economic growth objectives";  Whereas, in its resolution of 17 December 1974 on a Community action programme on the rational utilization of energy (2), the Council noted that, in its communication to the Council entitled "Rational utilization of energy", the Commission had drawn up a Community action programme in this field;  Whereas tangible results must be obtained as soon as possible in the rational use of energy consumed by road vehicles ; whereas a keener awareness among drivers of economical driving, the choice of a more economical vehicle and proper maintenance will enable these objectives to be rapidly attained;  Whereas measures to reduce the amount of fuel consumed by road vehicles must be made attractive and financially acceptable to users;  Whereas the measures recommended are likely to produce sufficiently large savings in energy to make the required investment economically worthwhile,  HEREBY RECOMMENDS TO THE MEMBER STATES:       1. that motor-vehicle manufacturers be asked to include more practical information on fuel-saving in drivers' handbooks and to present this information in a way that will catch the attention of vehicle owners and arouse their interest;       2. that encouragement be given to the fitting of private vehicles with equipment informing drivers of the most economical way to drive. Two methods are suggested:      - indicating on the speedometer or revolution counter the most economical speed range for each gear,           - fitting a monitoring device, such as a vacuum gauge on the intake, to inform the driver of his performance (good, average, poor);         3. that road vehicle users be requested to ensure that ignition timings and carburettor settings are correct;       4. that, with this aim in view, motor-vehicle manufacturers be requested to include in drivers' handbooks clear recommendations to owners to have their vehicles overhauled and adjusted regularly;       5. that every type of vehicle on the market undergo a standard fuel consumption test over a range of speeds, the procedure for which must be defined at Community level, and that the results of this test be included in the maintenance  (1)OJ No C 153, 9.7.1975, p. 1. (2)OJ No C 153, 9.7.1975, p. 5.   instruction manual and brought to the attention of prospective buyers;       6. that the fitting of radial-ply tyres on all vehicles, including heavy goods vehicles, be encouraged.     Done at Brussels, 4 May 1976.  For the Council  The President  G. THORN