The Government is consulting on the introduction of E10, a lower carbon fuel mix that could see emissions reductions of CO2 from transport of 750,000 tonnes per year.

The new fuel contains 10 per cent bioethanol and would become the standard grade of petrol at UK filling stations from next year. Currently petrol in the UK already contains up to 5 per cent bioethanol, known as E5. Similar E10 blends are already used in other countries such as Belgium, Finland, France and Germany.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The next 15 years will be absolutely crucial for slashing emissions from our roads, as we all start to feel the benefits of the transition to a zero-emission future. But before electric cars become the norm, we want to take advantage of reduced CO2 emissions today. Overall this could equate to about 350,000 cars being taken off our roads entirely.”

The consultation follows the roll-out of new labels at filling stations across the UK which highlight the biofuel content of each fuel and help drivers to easily identify the right option for their vehicle.

As part of wider efforts to shift transport towards a greener future, the government has also pledged £5bn to overhaul bus and cycle links, along with £50m for Britain’s first all-electric bus town.

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