REC: Phase-out of Leaded Gasoline: Policy Measures and Instruments (5.5)

5. Policy Measures and Instruments (continued)

5.5 Examples of successful lead phase-out strategies

	Several factors affect the implementation of any strategy for the phase-out of lead from gasoline.
Factors of Success	Oil refineries in different countries enjoy a unique starting point with regard to the various possibilities and options they have to reduce or phase out lead from gasoline. Vehicle fleets, characterized by different average ages and turnover rates, consist of a variety of vehicles equipped with engines that may or may not use unleaded gasoline. The availability of a substitute lubricant (non-lead based) is an important factor, and the overall economic situation, the availability of financing, and public awareness and pressure will determine the specific policy approach applied in each country. The transition period of pioneer countries like the US and Japan was much longer due to the long term research studies carried out on the risks to human health and the environment, and so the countries of Central and Eastern Europe can effectively speed this process based on the results already experienced elsewhere. Following, three specific case studies (from Denmark, Slovakia, and Sweden) on the successful phase-out of lead are presented.

Several factors affect the implementation of any strategy for the phase-out of lead from gasoline.

Factors of Success

Oil refineries in different countries enjoy a unique starting point with regard to the various possibilities and options they have to reduce or phase out lead from gasoline. Vehicle fleets, characterized by different average ages and turnover rates, consist of a variety of vehicles equipped with engines that may or may not use unleaded gasoline. The availability of a substitute lubricant (non-lead based) is an important factor, and the overall economic situation, the availability of financing, and public awareness and pressure will determine the specific policy approach applied in each country.

The transition period of pioneer countries like the US and Japan was much longer due to the long term research studies carried out on the risks to human health and the environment, and so the countries of Central and Eastern Europe can effectively speed this process based on the results already experienced elsewhere.

Following, three specific case studies (from Denmark, Slovakia, and Sweden) on the successful phase-out of lead are presented.

REC * PUBLICATIONS * PHASE-OUT OF LEADED GASOLINE * POLICY MEASURES AND INSTRUMENTS