The European Parliament’s industry committee has proposed a special derogation from the anticipated European Union carbon dioxide cap, thus allowing cars with special safety features to emit more CO2.

It argues additional safety equipment can be heavy, forcing cars to emit more carbon dioxide to attain their standard performance.

MEPs said they had special concern about legislation forcing manufacturers to fit certain safety equipment.

As a result they are calling for a “system that allows car manufacturers to emit additional CO2 (because of) legally binding safety measures.”