Filling stations across the UK are to start rolling out new labels to educate drivers on the benefits of biofuels.

The new labels are being introduced ahead of the implementation of E10 petrol

Announced earlier this year, the move will see petrol, which contains up to 5% renewable ethanol, labelled ‘E5’, while diesel, which contains up to 7% biodiesel, will be labelled as ‘B7’.

It follows a consultation last summer, with a Government response to the part of the consultation looking at how best to introduce E10 fuel still awaited. When E10 does come in, the labels are expected to have a greater impact on drivers’ fuel choices.

The labels, which will also appear on the filler caps of all new vehicles, are based on a British standard developed in partnership with other European countries, and are being introduced across Europe, helping to prevent drivers from filling up with the wrong fuel abroad

Michael Ellis, Transport Minister, said: “Drivers should be aware of the environmental impact of their travel choices, and seeing this when they are buying fuel can help remind them why decarbonising transport is so important.

“Biofuels are a key way of achieving the emissions reductions the UK needs, and their use reduced CO2 emissions by 2.7 million tonnes last year alone – the equivalent of taking around 1.2 million cars off the road.

“Our new campaign will help drivers understand the role of biofuels, while also choosing the right fuel for their vehicle at home and abroad.”