In her report on the revision of the European driving licence (see EUROPE 13132/1), published on Monday 11 September, MEP Karima Delli (Greens/EFA, French), proposed to introduce a points-based licence system throughout the European Union. She suggested other measures which, in her opinion, could reduce the number of road deaths.
“The establishment of such a scheme, coupled with effective enforcement measures, has the potential to slash the number of accidents and deaths on our roads”, she stresses in the explanatory memorandum to her report.
With regard to speed at the wheel, “a very important factor in causing road crashes and fatalities”, the MEP proposed limiting the maximum authorised speed according to the category of driving licence obtained by drivers, a category associated with vehicles that are more or less exposed to the dangers of the road. She wants to create an additional category, B+, for cars weighing more than 1.8 tonnes, such as SUVs. This driving licence could be obtained by applicants after a two-year probationary period for a category B licence and only from the age of 21. However, there would be exemptions for professional reasons or special uses, such as emergency vehicles.
While the text proposed by the European Commission provides for the possibility of lowering the minimum age for certain categories of driving licence, Ms Delli said on the contrary that this should be abolished. This measure is nevertheless wanted by the industry, which hopes to make up for the shortage of professional drivers (see EUROPE 13196/12). For the rapporteur, the aim is to “reduce the predominant exposure of young people to road accidents”. She also considered that the minimum age for obtaining an A1 driving licence should be raised, while encouraging accompanied driving. She also believes that specific measures on speed limits should be established for these drivers.
In addition, Ms Delli suggested reducing the administrative validity of novice drivers’ licences to a maximum of 2 years before they undergo a refresher course on the various attitudes to adopt at the wheel. For other drivers, the non-commercial driving licences should continue to be valid for a maximum of 10 years. From the age of 60, administrative validity would also be lowered to ensure that drivers are fully fit to drive. Like certain European ministers (see EUROPE 13192/17, 13199/13), she was not in favour of the self-assessment of fitness to drive proposed by the European Commission. “A medical examination should be compulsory for anyone taking a driving test or renewing a driving licence”, she said.
The report will be presented to the European Parliament committee on Monday 18 September.
To read the report: https://aeur.eu/f/8ih (Original version in French by Anne Damiani)