WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2696/98 by Frédéric STRIBY to the Commission. European definition of heavy goods vehicles
14. 5. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 135/97 (1999/C 135/113) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2696/98 by Frédéric Striby (I-EDN) to the Commission (1 September 1998) Subject: European definition of heavy goods vehicles The total authorised loaded weight for heavy goods vehicles in France is subject to a limit of 40 tonnes, whereas the corresponding limit in neighbouring European countries ranges from 44 to as much as 50 tonnes. The European Union has been looking into a common definition of road transport vehicles with a view to harmonising the rules applicable to them in the light of the opening of borders to the transport of goods by road and establishing the weight, dimensions and environmental standards to which such ‘European’ vehicles should conform. Can the Commission say what progress has been made on this matter? Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (6 October 1998) In 1993, the Commission adopted a proposal to harmonise the maximum weights and dimensions of lorries throughout the Community (1) for international and national transport operations. The proposal contained, inter alia, a maximum weight limit of 44 tons for 6 − axle lorry combinations fitted with air suspension and a maximum weight limit of 40 tons for 5 − axle lorry combinations. Whilst certain aspects of the proposal (chiefly those relating to maximum vehicle dimensions for all transport and weight limits only for international transport) were adopted as Council Directive 96/53/EC of 25 July 1996 (2), there was no agreement in the Council to harmonise maximum vehicle weights for national transport. This part of the Commission’s proposal consequently formally remains with the Council for consideration and there are currently no plans to withdraw the proposal. (1) OJ C 38, 8. 2. 1994. (2) OJ L 235, 17. 9. 1996. (1999/C 135/114) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2697/98 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (1 September 1998) Subject: Flight safety Community legislation on flight safety points to the establishment of an independent national agency for the prevention and investigation of aviation accidents as one of the most effective means of achieving the goal of flight safety. The setting up of such a body, made obligatory by an EEC directive which has yet to be implemented by Italy, has become more urgent and necessary as a result of the introduction of free competition between carriers. Its establishment should be justified on grounds that attract broad political consensus, precisely because everyone has a right to safety. Can the European Commission say which Member States have yet to implement the directive and does it not consider that it should prevail upon these Member States to do so?