WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1399/99 by Gerhard SCHMID Daytime running lights and light-sensitive switches
C 27 E/46 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 29. 1. 2000 (2000/C 27 E/053) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1399/99 by Gerhard Schmid (PSE) to the Commission (1 September 1999) Subject: Daytime running lights and light-sensitive switches 1. Does the Commission have information suggesting that the introduction of compulsory daytime running lights in road transport following the example of Scandinavian countries could lead to a reduction in the number of accidents? Is the Commission considering proposing the introduction of compulsory daytime running lights in 2. the European Union? 3. Is the Commission considering encouraging the introduction of a light-sensitive switch? Is the Commission considering taking other measures in order to permit the main effects of daytime 4. driving with lights to be achieved, without the possible attendant negative effects? Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (10 September 1999) The accident reduction effect of daytime running lights has been extensively researched on the basis of available evidence following its adoption in some Member States as well as Hungary and Canada. It has also been assessed on the basis of the effects of trial experiments following the use of daytime running lights on vehicle fleets. Overall, the results indicate that daytime running lights can reduce accidents, especially fatal accidents, and that the effect varies directly with latitude and is most pronounced in Scandinavian countries. Evidence from some of the more robust studies, relevant to Central Europe, indicates that the accident reduction effect in these latitudes is modest but statistically significant. There is an on-going debate about the magnitude of the accident reduction effect of daytime running lights. The Commission, in close cooperation with the High Level Group of representatives from each Member State on road safety, is still investigating the effects of daytime running lights and, in particular, their impact upon increased fuel consumption, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, currently estimated to lie between 0,4 % and 2,5 %. The actual outcome depends very much upon the type of daytime running light arrangement adopted, or the mix of alternative daytime running light arrangements adopted. The átwilight switchí can automatically activate headlamps when ambient daylight levels are low, or there is poor visibility, so they are not active for a large proportion of daytime running hours. This offers lower levels of additional fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The extent to which daytime running lights increases fuel consumption is a significant issue within the context of current initiatives to improve the fuel economy of passenger cars. The Commission will therefore consider this issue carefully in its evaluation of the overall effects of daytime running lights. (2000/C 27 E/054) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1400/99 by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) and Doris Pack (PPE-DE) to the Commission (1 September 1999) Subject: The Commissionís infringement proceedings against cross-border book price-fixing in Austria and Germany In a series of resolutions, most recently on 20 November 1998 (Resolution B4-0991/98 (1)), 1. Parliament has expressed an opinion on the subject of cross-border book price-fixing. With regard to the proceedings instituted by the Commission, Parliament assumes that dialogue with the Commission will continue in Parliamentís next legislative term and that the Commission will abide by the usual procedures and not take a final decision in this matter before then