Brussels, 26/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - On 25 June, the Council adopted, without debate, the draft directive on the retroactive fitting of rear view mirrors on heavy goods vehicles registered in the EU. This law, resulting from a compromise between the Parliament and member states (see EUROPE 9448), complements directive 2003/97, which requires the owners of new heavy goods vehicles (registered in the EU from 1 January 2007) to have their vehicles fitted with mirrors. There are exemptions for vehicles which have a very short life and for vehicles fitted with lateral mirrors whose field of vision is only slightly below what was provided for in the 2003 directive. Four years at the latest after the new directive comes into effect, the Commission will bring forward an assessment report on how it is being implemented and a study on the possibility of extending its scope to all vehicles. According to Commission estimates, this measure will save 1,200 lives by 2020, and will protect the most vulnerable road users - pedestrians and cyclists. The estimated cost of introducing this measure varies between €100 and €150 per lorry. (aby)