Brussels, 18/09/2012 (Agence Europe) - European Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas defended his “roadworthiness test” package before the members of the transport committee (TRAN) at the European Parliament on Monday 17 September. Presented in June this year, the legislative package is composed of three proposals for harmonising tests, to step up the frequency of tests and to establish minimum norms regarding the inspections and inspectors.
The commissioner began his hearing by saying: “Today, five people will die on Europe's roads in accidents linked to technical faults”. Technical faults are at the origin of 6% of car accidents and 2,000 deaths each year, and, as technical failings accumulate on vehicles each year, this will grow. The Commission is therefore suggesting that the first roadworthiness test should take place four years after purchase, then again two years later and after that on an annual basis. Two-wheeled vehicles should also be subject to roadworthiness testing, which is not yet the case throughout Europe. Kallas said such proposals will save lives in Europe every day.
Miscellaneous. During the hearing, Saïd El Khadraoui (S&D, Belgium) said he was in favour of stepping up testing but pointed out that tests must be of quality. He trusted that the proposal would make everyone subject to the same yardstick, including motorbikes and motorcycles. Jacqueline Foster (ECR, UK) took the view that waiting for 6 years for an annual roadworthiness test is “too long”. Ismail Ertug (S&D, Germany) wonders how this will work for countries with already high standards, and where the meeting point between countries will be. He said that, in Germany, inspections are carried out by engineers, but wondered whether that was the case in other countries. Finally, Isabelle Durant (Greens/EFA, Belgium), MEP, said one should also take into account the environmental testing of vehicles.
Priority to road safety. Other MEPs also put more precise questions to the commissioner, regarding tyres or veteran and vintage cars. Siim Kallas felt, however, that MEPs had missed what is essential. He said: “We are fighting for the reduction of casualties and road accidents. If you see clearly that there is one reason that causes accidents then you must address it and strengthen discipline about the technical status, standards and conditions of cars. It is very simple - there is nothing more behind it”. (MD/transl.jl)