Last month, We Are Futureproof hit the streets in London to ask whether members of the public could see the fuel economy and emissions information on a couple of car advert billboards.

The guidelines state that the CO2 and fuel economy information is meant to be readable from the opposite side of the road. We felt that this is often not possible, so we decided to ask some people in the street. We even handed them binoculars if they couldn't read the info.

One man commented that in the current economic climate, the information about fuel economy is extremely important. We couldnt agree more. As is often the case, the environmental credentials of the car are as important as the running costs when it comes to choosing a vehicle. If consumers do not have the information presented in a way that they can both easily see and understand, their attempts to buy a fuel efficient car can be tough. Research shows that consumers often think small car = low emissions and smaller fuel costs. Whilst its true that your average small car is going to emit less than say a two and a half ton 4x4, it clearly isnt as simple as that.

We think its time consumers were armed with all the facts they need in order to buy the car that suits their pocket and the planet. It would even boost the economy - if car buyers could buy with confidence, they would surely be more likely to make a purchase, and a well-informed one at that.

We Are Futureproof want to make illegible and confusing information on car ads a thing of the past. Our hope is that the forthcoming EU Commission directive will bring that day closer.

Please visit our website at wearefutureproof.org.uk

And to see more of what is happening in Europe visit our sister site drivingthechange.eu