Brussels, 13 May 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Member states of the European Union on Monday approved a new law that will tighten limits on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from heavy-duty road vehicles, like lorries and buses.

The forthcoming law will extend rules currently governing heavy goods lorries to encompass urban buses, coaches and trailers.

Average CO2 emissions for large road vehicles would have to fall 45% by 2030, 65% by 2035 and 90% by 2040, compared to 2019 levels. Urban buses would have to emit no CO2 at all by 2040, and meet a 90% reduction target by 2030.

The limits were provisionally agreed in January by Belgium, acting on behalf of EU member states, and negotiators for the European Parliament. Top diplomats then gave that deal the green light in February, paving the way for a positive vote in the European Parliament in April.

Monday's decision by ministers from the member states is the final step. The European Commission is expected to review the law's impact in 2027.

An EU press release said heavy-duty vehicles are responsible for 25% of greenhouse gas emissions from road transport in the EU. The first limits for such vehicles were set in 2019.

MIA file photo