http://europa.eu/rapid/pressRelease...format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
Brussels, 14 July 2003
Road safety: The Commission wants to improve the safety of motor vehicles as from 2006
The Commission today adopted a proposal for a Directive(1) laying down new technical provisions for the automobile sector with a view to enhancing road safety. These measures mainly concern utility vehicles (vans, lorries, trailers, etc.) and coaches. Among the devises made obligatory which will have most impact on road safety are ABS (which prevents the wheels blocking during breaking), new and more effective rear mirrors, side protection devices, etc. Another aspect of this proposal is that it will be mandatory for buses and coaches to be designed to provide easy access to persons with reduced mobility. Up till now, only cars had to comply with design standards harmonised at EU level; as from 2006, all categories of vehicles will be concerned. These standards will apply to all new vehicles. In all, more than two million utility vehicles will have to comply with these new provisions every year. They will enhance the functioning of the Internal Market and greatly simplify the type-approval and registration procedures for vehicles.
The Member of the Commission responsible for enterprise policy, Erkki Liikanen, stated: “These new measures forming part of the European Action Programme for Road Safety, adopted on 6 June by the Commission, will mark a decisive advance in the field of road safety. Not only will the new mandatory provisions increase the safety of utility vehicles, but some of them will greatly reduce the risks to cyclists and pedestrians. As regards buses and coaches, in particular, I am pleased to announce, in the European Year of People with Disabilities, that new vehicles will have to be designed to facilitate access for persons with reduced mobility.”
Since January 1998, vehicles placed on the market have had to comply with more than 45 Directives concerning the same number of technical standards for design. They concern practically all the systems and equipment in vehicles. These standards, which are amongst the strictest in the world, are constantly being reviewed and adapted in line with technical developments.
The revamp of Directive 70/156/EEC will put on a mandatory basis a large number of devices aimed at increasing the safety of the other categories of vehicles. They will affect lorries, tractors and light utility vehicles as well as semi-trailers and trailers. Buses and coaches will also be concerned. Apart from having to fitted with devices intended to their active and passive safety, all these vehicles will also have to be made more visible by night. The driver will benefit from better lateral visibility, and suitable equipment will have to be fitted in order to protect weaker road-users (cyclists and pedestrians).
Amongst the devises made obligatory(2):
* ABS (anti-blocking system for wheels when braking);
* new and more efficient rear mirrors, including the new front mirror;
* improved light-signalling;
* edge protection (skirts) intended to prevent cyclists or pedestrians being dragged under the vehicle;
# anti-splashing devices for the tyres.
In addition, the towing systems, tyres and windows, etc., will have to be approved according to stricter standards.
In addition to the devices set out above, buses and coaches will have to have emergency exits commensurate with the transport capacity of the vehicle, provide easy access for persons with reduced mobility, have reserved places and suitable places for persons travelling in wheelchairs. Tourism coaches will also have to have adequate "survival space" in the event of falling onto their side.
These measures will be implemented as from January 2006. They will be phased in up to 2010 depending on the category of vehicle.
Further information on all the standards applicable can be obtained on the Commission website:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/automotive/index.htm
(1)This proposal is a revamp of Directive 70/156/EEC on the type-approval of vehicles.
(2)The obligation to fit these may vary depending on the category of vehicle.
e qualquer forma, obrigado!
