Brussels, 20/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - MEPs have held their first debate on the legislative package proposed by the European Commission to toughen technical checks (MOTs) in Europe and improve road safety.
The legislative package is divided into three sections. The Commission would first of all like to increase the frequency of vehicle technical checks. The first should take place when the car is four years old and, for vehicles of at least six years old, checks should take place on an annual basis. RapporteurWerner Kuhn, (EPP, Germany), however, believes that this is too restrictive and would prefer tests to be either biennial, though member states would be free to introduce stricter rules. The Commission also wants two-wheeled vehicles to be subject to technical checks, which MEPs are keen on, given the high rate of fatal accidents suffered on two-wheeled vehicles.
The Commission would also like to harmonise standards in Europe. Kuhn would like to toughen text in an effort to ensure that technical checks are independent. He would like them to be separate from repair activities, so that there are no conflicts of interest.
Finally, the Commission also provided an explanation regarding the circumstances in which vehicle registration certificates can be withdrawn or cancelled. MEPs will discuss this package again in April on the basis of any amendment submitted, ahead of a committee vote in May. (MD/transl.fl)