The Euro emissions standard was introduced to cut the carbon footprint vehicles were making in the UK and across Europe.

According to EU data, transport represents almost a quarter of Europe's greenhouse gas emissions and is the main cause of air pollution in cities.

And Brussels hopes to shift this statistic, with a push to reduce emissions by improving efficient, encouraging the use of low-emission transportation methods and moving forward towards zero-emission vehicles.

However UKIP transport spokesman and West Midlands MEP Jill Seymour, says the EU is going about the emissions drive in the wrong way and is instead penalising people who cannot afford top of the range electric cars.

Speaking at the EU Parliament in Strasbourg during a debate today, she said the report “is all well and good if it continues to allow citizens the freedom to choose how they travel”.

And she added the report was seeking to "comprehensively reduce the attractiveness of private forms of transport" with a policy that it’s the polluter that pays.

However Mrs Seymour also accused the EU of trying to force British people out of their cars, even if they can't afford to pay for an alternative, saying: “In other words, the EU are driving us out of our cars.”

She told MEPs: “What I do find positive is a move towards zero emissions based on consumer choice. I stress, consumer choice.

“What I don’t find helpful, however, is the knee-jerk solutions that punish the driver before any proper infrastructure is in place.”

Mrs Seymour said it was clear that electric vehicles are becoming much more efficient and user friendly, but many people lack the money to change their cars.

She added: “Just as citizens need time to prepare, so does the manufacturing industry. They still have forecourts full of petrol and diesel cars.

“Encouraging the development of hybrids will help aid the transition. 

“UK based Jaguar-Land Rover is one company, like others, who have recognised the need to change and they should be commended on their projects. They are reducing nitrogen oxide and particles which are harmful.

“It is wrong for the EU to force a change though financial penalties, dividing those who can afford and those who can´t. 

“Whilst some parts of this report are moving in the right direction, it will be up to the UK government, and they alone, to set the standards, once we gain our independence in 2019.”