EMISSION levels in Britain must be cut by 12.5% below their 1990 level by 2010, according to tough new targets agreed by European Union ministers. And the Government's forthcoming integrated transport white paper will outline a number of new initiatives which are expected to play a key role in helping the UK meet its targets.

The 'greening of Europe', which will be reflected in the white paper, and will include new national and local strategies for reducing levels of road traffic growth, along with new powers designed to improve local air quality levels, promoting better environmental performance of vehicles by reducing fuel consumption, emissions and noise and promote awareness campaigns of the environmental impact of transport and assessing the potential for greener vehicles.

The new targets, which will result in an overall 8% reduction in EU emission levels, have been agreed following last year's climate change summit meeting in Japan. The new air quality directive sets new standards for sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead with a reduction in vehicle emissions one of the key drivers behind the bid to improve Europe's air.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said: 'We in the UK intend to consult on proposals over the summer - we will be looking for common effort by Government, industry and consumers. A key factor will be providing alternative sustainable forms of transport which we will address in our forthcoming white paper.'