ETA

A new initiative requiring that 2.5 per cent of all fuel sold in the UK comes from biofuels will come into force today (15th April).

The share will rise to five per cent by 2010 and is expected to save 2.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in that time.

It is part of a package of measures put together by the Department for Transport in an attempt to reduce the impact of motor transport on the environment.

A review into the impact of biofuel production has been announced and will run in tandem with the greener fuels initiative.

Transport minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: “Making it easier for motorists to use greener fuel is an important step towards reducing carbon emissions from transport. But we must do all we can to ensure biofuels are produced sustainably.”

Reports by Road Transport.com last week revealed that the government has announced a scheme to introduce low-carbon technology into public sector vehicle fleets.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association said: “This initiative may be well intentioned but it is highly flawed. Loopholes allow subsidised fuel from unsustainable sources to be certified. Companies are entitled to answer ‘unknown’ to the question of what the previous land use was and still be eligible for a Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation certificate.”