DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (306/07) issued by
The Government News Network on 19 September 2007
Restorers of
vintage vehicles will be able to continue using the traditional
paints their businesses need under new proposals published for
consultation today.
Defra is seeking views on how an exemption from the European
Paints Directive, secured for the UK's vehicle restoration
businesses as well as for historic buildings, would operate via a
licensing system.
Under the Paints Directive the use of certain paint products is
banned. The UK successfully argued for allowing limited continued
use of some old style paints to protect the viability of our
vintage vehicle restoration industry, and the provision was
extended to include historic buildings. The Government's view
is that the environmental benefits of enforcing the ban for these
specialist businesses are small, and are outweighed by the
benefits of safeguarding the future of industries for which the UK
has an international reputation of excellence.
The use of certain older style paints is considered important to
preserving the value and character of vintage vehicles and
historic buildings because of the distinctive finish they produce.
Launching the consultation, Environment Minister Jonathan Shaw said:
"The UK is a centre of excellence for the vintage vehicle
restoration industry and that is something of which we are justly
proud. We also have a tremendous legacy of historic houses which
are a significant attraction for tourists.
"As with all environmental decisions affecting business the
respective impacts, costs and benefits need to be carefully
weighed up. I believe the proposals we are setting out today
strike the right balance and will enable both these sectors to
continue to thrive."
The licensing system would be self financing and would require
those using the products to pay a licence fee covering the
administrative costs of the licensing authorities. The fee would
be set by the licensing authority and would be determined by their
own costs but preliminary estimates suggest it could be between
£10 and £70 for individuals, and between £80 and £200 for
businesses. The benefits to the vehicle refinishing sector alone
are estimated at between £2m and £8m annually. The consultation
exercise will provide a clearer picture of these assessments.
The aim of the Paints Directive is to reduce emissions of
volatile organic compounds, which are harmful to human health and
ecosystems, through setting limits for the VOC content of certain
decorative paints, varnishes, and vehicle refinishing products.
The licensing scheme would permit the use of non-compliant paints
in strictly limited quantities, and the UK would have to report
annually to the European Commission the quantities and types of
paints licensed.
The closing date for responses is 12 December 2007.
Notes for Editors
The consultation document, Partial Regulatory Impact Assessment
and draft Statutory Instrument are published at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/paint-buildings-vehicles/index.htm.
Further information on the paints directive is available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/airquality/paints-directive/index.htm
The Paints Directive was transposed into UK law in November 2005.
Public enquiries 08459 335577;
Press notices are available on
our website http://www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development
To subscribe or unsubscribe to Defra's mailing list go to:
http://www.gnn.gov.uk/
Once on the GNN website see Sign up
Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR
Website
http://www.defra.gov.uk