A proposal has been announced which will see a lower carbon fuel introduced at UK filling stations next year.

The government is consulting on plans for E10 fuel, which is made with up to 10% ethanol and has the potential to cut CO2 from transport by 750,000 tonnes per year.

Announcing the consultation, 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.

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"But before electric cars become the norm, we want to take advantage of reduced CO2 emissions today. This small switch to petrol containing bioethanol at 10% will help drivers across country reduce the environmental impact of every journey. Overall this could equate to about 350,000 cars being taken off our roads entirely."

Current petrol grades in the UK already contain up to 5% bioethanol, known as E5. E10 would see this percentage increased up to 10%, a blend which is already well used in other countries such as Belgium, Finland, France and Germany.

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.

(CM/MH)