Colour coding to point drivers to 'greener' cars

The latest initiative to turn motorists to greener driving was unveiled today with the Government’s new colour coded-guide to cleaner cars.

Along with higher taxes for gas guzzlers, from next month a new seven band emissions-based labelling system will come into effect, identifying the worst polluting vehicles.

Buyers will be able to immediately weigh up the added charges for motor and registration tax according to how much carbon dioxide the cars pump out.

John Gormley, Environment Minister, said motorists were being given the chance to make a clear personal choice.

“The overall approach is intended to assist buyers in evaluating the environmental impacts of different cars, as well as providing guidance for them on purchase and running costs,” he said.

“I see the improvements in vehicle labelling as a positive step in enabling Irish motorists to make a direct personal contribution to combating climate change.”

The label has been designed to be consumer-friendly with seven colour-coded bands similar to the system used for electrical goods.

Cars in the first category will have the lowest emissions and motor tax will be as low as €100 but vehicles which burn a lot of fuel in the seventh band will push the new levy up to €2,000 a year.

Emissions will be measured in gCO2/km – grammes of CO2 per kilometre travelled.

Mr Gormley said it is hoped it will assist buyers in evaluating environmental impacts of different models and offer guidance on purchase and running costs.