WRITTEN QUESTION E-2826/03 by Kathleen Van Brempt (PSE) to the Commission. Eco-driving.
Date: 2003-09-23
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: applied research, driving mechanism, ecology, environmental policy, environmental research, motor car, motor vehicle pollution

C 78 E/434

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

27.3.2004

In the end, the implementation of the Corridor VIII, which has been signed only recently, depends on the
countries concerned in the first place. As the Honourable Member may know, the whole alignment of the
Corridor VIII on rail is also mentioned in the Report of the TEN-T High Level Group as an important
project for territorial cohesion.

(2004/C 78 E/0455)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2819/03

by Proinsias De Rossa (PSE) to the Commission

(19 September 2003)

Subject: Environmental impact assessments in Ireland

On 22 July, the Commission announced (IP/03/1070) that it was referring Ireland to the European Court
of Justice concerning the possibility, inter alia, that Irish authorities allow a decision to be made before
impact assessment has been fully assessed in line with the EIA
rather than after an environmental
Directive.

What specific cases in Ireland is the Commission concerned about in this regard?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(28 October 2003)

The Commission’s concerns derived from its examination of the way in which the impact of the Kildare
Bypass motorway project on an internationally important wetland, Pollardstown Fen, and an associated
aquifer were assessed.

More specifically, despite advice from the statutory nature conservation authority that the information
provided by the developer was seriously deficient, certain important studies on the likely impacts were
only undertaken after the decision approving the project was already taken.

Whilst the Commission did not challenge the specific project,
it decided to challenge the underlying
approach taken on the basis that it was not compliant with the requirements of Council Directive 85/337/
EEC of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the
environment (1).

(1) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40.

(2004/C 78 E/0456)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2826/03

by Kathleen Van Brempt (PSE) to the Commission

(23 September 2003)

Subject: Eco-driving

Introducing a new, more environmentally friendly driving style using electronic equipment in cars, known
as ‘eco-driving’, has been a topic of discussion in Europe for some time now. I would like further
information from the Commission regarding the practicalities of eco-driving.

Can the Commission state what measures it intends to take to introduce a more environmentally friendly
driving style?

What is the Commission’s opinion of the proposal by the Netherlands Government that all new cars in
Europe be equipped with cruise control and an on-board computer? According to the Netherlands, this
could reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by around 10 %. Is this proposal feasible?

27.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 78 E/435

Belgium has seen many accidents involving lorries caused by the use of cruise control. Can the
Commission provide clarification of the safety guarantees that accompany the installation of electronic
equipment, and cruise control in particular, in cars?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(13 November 2003)

There is a wide range of conceivable measures to reduce the environmental impact of road vehicles. In this
connection, voluntary agreements on CO2 emissions and technical improvements to vehicles will have an
important role to play.

Driving style is an equally important factor. Results show that ecodriving makes it possible to cut fuel
consumption by around 10 % and at the same time to reduce accidents and pollution. The Commission
has provided its support to a number of projects in this area (see www.ecodrive.org). The STEER
programme, which is an element of the Intelligent Energy Europe programme, will offer the possibility of
supporting other projects.

In the technological field, a significant number of research projects in progress under the 5th Framework
Programme for RTD aim to make vehicles more environmentally friendly. Generally speaking, their main
objective is to develop new engine technologies which are both more fuel efficient (CO2) and cleaner. For
example, a great deal of work has been carried out in the DEXA (Diesel Engine Exhaust particles After
treatment) projects, in order to eliminate particle emissions from diesel engines and in the VCR (Variable
compression ratio for CO2 reduction for gasoline engines) project which allows a significant reduction in
consumption and hence CO2. This work is continuing in the 6th Framework Programme where new
projects should allow further advances, whether for conventional engines or fuel cells in the longer term.

The Commission is planning to propose a Directive on energy services in the months to come. This
proposal could require energy suppliers to help their customers to use energy products more efficiently.
In the field of transport, customers would be advised on how to manage their energy costs more
effectively, check tyre pressures and undergo ecodriving training.

As regards the announcement by the Netherlands of a proposal making it compulsory to fit cruise-control
devices, given that the type approval of vehicles is an area where the Community has competence, the
Commission would have to receive a specific draft in order to assess its actual impact and the suitability of
a proposal with two co-legislators. In any event, this is one of a number of innovative technologies which
could improve environmental protection and safety. The effects of the various options will have to be
carefully weighed to ensure that the most effective solution is chosen.

Finally, as regards accidents involving heavy goods vehicles equipped with cruise control in Belgium, the
Honourable Member is requested to refer to the answer to written question E-1501/03 (1).

(1) OJ C 70 E, 20.3.2004, p. 48.

(2004/C 78 E/0457)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2827/03

by Kathleen Van Brempt (PSE) to the Commission

(23 September 2003)

Subject: Isolation units in hospitals

Europe escaped the SARS virus. According to virologists, however, there is a significant risk of a renewed
outbreak of the SARS virus before the end of the year. Biological terrorism can also never be ruled out.
In order to prevent the spread of viruses such as SARS, work needs to be done on isolation units in
hospitals. Now that the threat of the SARS virus appears to have subsided, however, no such work is being
carried out in Member States.