Luxembourg, 10/06/2003 (Agence Europe) - Last Thursday, the Transport Council adopted conclusions supporting the guidelines for a road safety action programme for 2003-2010, presented on Tuesday by the Commission (see EUROPE of 5 June, p.14). It approves the overall aim of reducing the number of road victims each year by half by the year 2010. During the second term of 2003, it will examine the draft "European Road Safety Charter", which specifies the commitments of the signatories with regards safety, as well as the creation of a "European Road Safety Observatory" within the Commission.
In the meantime, the Council calls on Member States to collaborate fully with the Commission in order to make a complete analysis of data relating to accidents, road safety results, exposure to risk, etc. It insists on the fact that, where necessary, convergent regulation will contribute to road safety "in particular with respect to road traffic rules, driving licence schemes and rules in commercial transport".
The Council also agrees that safety very much depends on application of the rules defined for commercial transport, mainly with regards driving time and rest periods. It confirms its determination to develop legislation on working conditions and technical issues. The Commission is invited to present a report on the compulsory use of rear-view mirrors covering the blind angle.
The question of road safety will be the focus of a conference organised by the Italian Presidency end September in Verona.