Brussels, 14/11/2012 (Agence Europe) - The Commission is introducing new European security measures at the level of the Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
On Wednesday 14 November, the European Commission reached an agreement with its international partners at the global forum on harmonising rules for vehicles. This agreement will include new international harmonised rules on Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) and Lane Departure Warning Systems (LDWS) for utility vehicles, and mechanisms for children's car seats and safety requirements for batteries in electric vehicles. These are all measures for maximising car safety, which will become compulsory in the EU over time; or which have already become so since 1 November, in the case of the latter two (see EUROPE 10723). By working towards the development of these systems on the basis of harmonised standards internationally, the EU is seeking to promote safety at an international level, as well as promoting its car industry. Including these measures in the international UN agreement on manufacturing vehicles will guarantee the adoption of these same requirements by Europe, as well as other countries such as Japan, Russia and South Korea. This will subsequently reduce market barriers and facilitate trade between the major automobile markets. (EH/transl.fl)