Labour MEP Mirian Dalli has been appointed by Environment Minister Jose Herrera to lead a commission which will prepare for the changeover to eco-friendly vehicles.
In a statement, the government said that after preliminary studies were carried out, the second phase of the plan gets underway. It is expected that at the start of next year a date will be set for when all new cars need to be eco-friendly.
This does not mean, the government said, that cars using petrol or diesel will not be able to use it. It means that all new cars imported from that date onwards will have to be eco-friendly, with the government promising a drastic reduction in their price.
This step is a clear indication of the government’s commitment towards cleaner air as well as its work for a change in mentality in favour of the environment, Minister Herrera said. The government has changed the way energy is generated, is addressing traffic congestion and planting of thousands of trees all over the country, he added.
Dalli led negotiations leading to the reduction of CO2 emissions from cars across the European Union said that this measure will see people using transport means that do not cause harm to the environment.
The commission will be working on a holistic strategy with the aim of identifying measures and initiatives that need to be implemented for the changeover to be effective, the government said. There will be a consultation phase with all the stakeholders and the commission will see that there will be enough time for the car importers and drivers to plan without having to endure extra costs while, at the same time, the necessary infrastructure is set up.
