26 October 2012: The Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles (PCFV) will initiate a new programme to reduce sulphur levels in fuel and tackle diesel emissions, and agreed to complete a lead phase-out campaign. The new programme and lead phase-out agreement was considered at a meeting of the PCFV, which was held from 23-24 November 2012, organized by the FIA Foundation.

In its effort to tackle harmful particulate emissions, the PCFV will address fuel and vehicle technologies using a “systems approach,” considering ways to reduce sulphur levels in fuel and promote vehicle technologies, including through the use of particulate filters. On ways to reduce sulphur levels in fuels, the PCFV will aim for a target of 50 parts per million or less.

On work to phase-out lead, the PCFV will build on its public-private partnership efforts in countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Central and Eastern Europe. According to a report from the California State University system, existing work to phase-out leaded petrol from the programme have generated benefits including 1.2 million fewer premature deaths, lower levels of criminality and improved education performance among children.

FIA Foundation Director Sheila Watson underscored the importance of the initiative given the “growing concern for the environment, public health and society as a whole, as we face a decade of rapid motorization.” Particulate matter and black carbon in particular also contribute to climate change.

The PCFV is coordinated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and brings together governments, industry and NGOs. The FIA foundation is an independent UK charity that supports an international programme of activities promoting road safety, the environment, and sustainable mobility. [GFEI Press Release]