On Tuesday 5 May, European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) finalised its negotiating position on the draft revision of the second text within the roadworthiness package.
After approving a draft report on vehicle registration last month (see EUROPE 13844/4), MEPs adopted the draft revision of the European regulation on periodic technical inspections for motor vehicles by 30 votes to 11 against, with 2 abstentions.
The MEPs incorporated a number of proposals aimed at streamlining the text, as advised by the rapporteur, Jens Gieseke (EPP, German) (see EUROPE 13776/9). All the compromise amendments were adopted.
Rejection of more frequent roadworthiness tests. In particular, the TRAN Committee voted against the Commission’s proposal to shorten roadworthiness test intervals for cars and vans over ten years old. This compromise amendment was supported by the S&D, Renew Europe, EPP and PfE groups. According to MEPs, there is insufficient data to establish a link between increasing the frequency of technical inspections and reducing the number of road accidents. MEPs also pointed out that Member States already had the option of reducing the interval between roadworthiness tests.
Furthermore, this measure would have placed a burden on vehicle owners from more vulnerable socio-economic backgrounds, according to the rapporteur (see EUROPE 13776/9). “Our aim is to make European roads safer and inspections more efficient, while stepping up the fight against fraud – without placing an additional burden on consumers and businesses”, stated Mr Gieseke in a press release.
Temporary roadworthiness certificate. As for the rest, MEPs have adopted the Commission’s initial proposal to include particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) measurements in periodic technical inspections in order to improve air quality. Member States will determine the scope of these inspections.
Furthermore, the removal of certain flexibilities for heavy motorcycles (over 125 cc) has been confirmed.
MEPs have retained the option of having a car’s technical inspection carried out in an EU country other than the country of registration, and wish to extend this option to vans. This would result in a new European temporary roadworthiness certificate valid for a period of six months.
Finally, MEPs are calling for maintaining the target of inspecting 5% of buses and lorries at national, rather than European, level.
Inter-institutional negotiations can begin once Parliament has given the green light, at the next plenary session in Strasbourg from 18 to 21 May.
To consult the compromise amendments: https://aeur.eu/f/lt5 ; https://aeur.eu/f/lt6 ; https://aeur.eu/f/lt7 (Original version in French by Juliette Verdes)