Brussels, 24/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - On 23 May, the European Commission adopted the first report on the 2000/30 directive on technical services of utility vehicles. It pointed out that, despite the efforts of certain member states, the situation regarding services can be characterised by significant disparities in the EU and that most countries do not meet the demands of the directive. The Commission is planning on soon beginning infringement proceedings against different countries such as Spain, Poland, Ireland, France, Portugal and Cyprus, which have not provided it with the data required by the directive.
The report covers 2003-04 and is based on data provided by 18 member states. It reveals incorrect application of the directive in most member states. Data should be provided on the number and category of vehicles serviced, which under the directive, should be communicated every two years but this is far from being the case in all member states. Data that is actually provided does not allow for a comprehensive analysis due to its heterogeneous character. The Commission will therefore be proposing a single format that will allow for the electronic communication of data. In the context of services, the number of them varies significantly from member state to member state. 100% of vehicles registered in Malta are serviced as opposed to 50% in Belgium. The text for this report can be consulted at: http: //eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/site/en/com/2007/com2007_0270fr01.pdf . (aby)