Press Release: Road safety: The Commission wants to improve the safety of motor vehicles as from 2006

The Commission adopted a proposal on 14 July 2003 for a Directive 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 devices made obligatory which will have most impact on road safety are ABS (which prevents the wheels locking during braking), 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. Until 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.

http://ec.europa.eu/comm/enterprise/automotive/index.htm http://ec.europa.eu/comm/enterprise/automotive/index.htm

---