91997E2473

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2473/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (16 July 1997)

Subject: Incentives to replace catalytic converters in cars in Greece

According to Greek press reports, 95% of cars with catalytic converters in Greece produce pollution, even more than conventional cars, because replacement of converters is proceeding at a snail's pace.

The reason for this is the lack of a legal framework laying down the specifications for imported catalytic converters which has led to large numbers of imitations circulating on the Greek market. In addition, the checks carried out by the Ministry of Regional Planning, Housing and the Environment are rudimentary; the probability of any driver in Athens being checked on any given day by the Ministry's patrols is 21,000:1.

The catalytic converters are designed to last for 100 000 km but they often have a shorter life, while the cost of replacing them is extremely high for Greek car-owners.

Is there any possibility of providing aid or incentives through an EU programme or Community initiative to enable owners of cars with catalytic converters in Greece to replace them?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (22 September 1997)

The Commission is interpreting the figures quoted by the Honourable Member with the greatest of caution. Indeed, the information in its possession, and more particularly that acquired in order to map out a Community strategy for the monitoring of air pollution by road transport ((COM(96) 248 final. )) rather conflicts with the figures supplied and shows that the pollution by road vehicles in Athens is mainly caused by old vehicles that have not been fitted with catalytic converters. In addition there is major pollution from stationary sources.

While the Community action intended to reduce emissions by road vehicles has little effect in cases such as this the Commission, has in its strategy, been able to pinpoint the division of responsibility among the various levels of authority that determine traffic conditions. Urgent consideration should be given to local action in areas such as the scrapping of the oldest vehicles, more appropriate traffic management, improvements to public transport or the use of clean fuels.

The Commission intends to take steps towards requiring a minimum efficiency level from those catalytic converters that are fitted as replacements for the original equipment. However, this will have a less positive effect in those Member States that have already introduced the stringent checking of emissions by vehicles already in service and where the introduction of converter technology took place earlier.

Finally, as regards the possibility of support, the Commission would point out that this type of project is not eligible for intervention under the Structural Funds or the Cohesion Fund.