The BVRLA has suggested several measures to Government, including a national framework to let local councils create ultra-low emission zones, as part of its guidance to improve the UK's air quality.
 
The suggestion comes as part of a five-point guide on air quality following on from the Supreme Court's order for the UK Government to submit its plans by the end of this year to make sure it meets European targets for air pollution.
 
If the UK does not produce the plans on time, it runs the risk of incurring fines from Brussels.
 
The BVRLA believes the following five measures could make an impact on NO2 levels across the UK.
 
·  Help regional authorities to use their newly devolved transport powers by providing a national framework for ultra-low emission zones
·  Adopt the current tax regime to cover NO2 emissions (incentivising the adoption of new Euro 6 standard for diesel engine emissions, for example), ensuring that any changes are well-signposted and non-retrospective
·  Re-introduce 100% first-year allowances for companies renting or leasing ultra-low emission cars
·  Provide better in-life incentives - for example freedom from tolls, congestion charges or parking fees - to encourage greater uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles
·  Do more to support car clubs, car sharing and other alternatives to car ownership, and provide more low-emission public transport
 
"Over the past 10 years our industry has used the government's emissions-based motoring tax regime to stimulate a huge reduction in CO2 emissions," said BVRLA chief executive, Gerry Keaney.