The European Parliament gave the final go-ahead on Wednesday for an ambitious target to reduce EU emissions for new cars by 2030.

The legislation, piloted by Labour MEP Miriam Dalli, sets a CO2 reduction target of 37.5 per cent for new cars and a CO2 reduction target for new vans of 31 per cent by 2030.

"This is a step forward to ensure that Europe remains ahead of the curve when it comes to zero- and low-emission vehicles’ technology instead of depending on imports. I am convinced that this transition can ensure the competitiveness of the automotive industry," Dr Dalli said following the final vote.

Manufacturers whose average emissions exceed the limits will also have to pay an excess emissions premium. By 2023, the European Commission will have to evaluate whether these amounts should be used to fund a fair transition towards zero-emission mobility or to support developing workers’ skills in the automotive sector.

Read: Miriam Dalli's ambitious emissions proposal gets EP backing

The ambitious proposal to curb emissions has been a long time coming. When it was initially proposed last year, it had ruffled the feathers of car importers, who argued the emissions drive was unfair. 

Dr Dalli told Euronews she held no fewer than 130 bilateral meetings with lobbyists from different sectors, including oil and fuel companies and environmental organisations. 

The European Union eventually agreed on a compromise over how sharply to curb carbon dioxide emissions from cars and vans.