A web site that includes a database of CO2 emissions and fuel consumption figures for all light commercials grossing at up to and including 3.5 tonnes has been launched by the Department for Transport (DfT). It has been developed in conjunction with the Vehicle Certification Agency and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The site covers vans — and their related chassis cabs in some cases — but not bodied chassis cabs.
Light commercial manufacturers are providing the necessary data voluntarily. They are obliged to test vans for their CO2 output, but they are not legally compelled to publish the results.
The availability of these figures is welcome, but unfortunately they are a guideline only and bear no resemblance to what operators can expect to achieve in actual real-world conditions. This is because the testing methodology employed is the same as that used for passenger cars and takes no account of any load carried.
Anyone with a cynical predisposition can only conclude that the reason behind the publication of these figures is that some form of additional taxation is in the pipeline, despite strenuous denials from a representative of the DfT. Surely he wouldn’t be telling fibs, would he?
Click here to visit the web site.
