These regulations came into force in November 2001, they aim to give consumers more information about the fuel consumption and CO2 emission characteristics of new cars.
These regulations only apply to 4 wheeled passenger cars, which have been EC whole vehicle type approved.
The regulations require certain information to be displayed at the point of sale and within the content of promotional literature. However this information does not have to be included on websites, TV and Radio advertisements and non model-specific promotional literature.
The regulations place certain duties on dealers, they are:
- An A4 environmental label should be placed on or near a new car, and should show the official fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for that model.
- An environmental poster should be present at the point of sale, which lists the cars available at the premises. The cars should be split into fuel types and listed in order of their CO2 emissions on a lowest to highest basis. The poster should be in a location where the consumer is likely to spend sufficient time to notice it, this can be either inside or out. Posters are required to quote the worst case fuel consumptions and CO2 figures for the range of specifications grouped under each model description.
- At the request of a consumer, the dealer shall provide a copy of the current edition of the fuel economy guide free of charge.
- It is also a requirement for dealers to make sure that any other promotional literature which is produced all complies with the requirements.
The content, size, wording and format are laid down and are required to be as stated in the schedules to the regulations. If you require further information either contact your local Trading Standards Department or alternatively obtain a copy of the regulations.
Failure to comply with the regulations could result in a fine of up to £5000 for each offence.
This information is not exhaustive; it is subject to periodic amendment and cannot be held to be an authoritative interpretation of the law.
For more detailed guidance or information please contact:
Trading Standards
Textile Hall
Manchester Road
Bury
BL9 ODG
Tel: 0161 253 5566
Fax: 0161 253 5547
Email: tradingstandards@bury.gov.uk
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm
