2023-12-07 19:18:02
Every year, 20,000 people die on the roads in Europe. Hence the proposal launched by Brussels to tighten the rules for granting driving licenses. A text amended and voted on in committee, Thursday December 7, by European parliamentarians.
In its current version, narrowly approved with 22 votes against 21, and which must be confirmed in plenary, during January or February, the document provides for a compulsory medical examination to renew one’s license, every fifteen years for motorcycles, cars and tractors. , and every five years for heavy goods vehicles and buses. “The medical examination must include at least one vision test and the rest of the compulsory tests will be prescribed by the Member States”, explains Karima Delli, chair of the Transport Committee in the European Parliament.
Seniors and young people in the viewfinder
This involves harmonizing the rules within the Union but also and above all adapting current legislation, dating from 2006, “current road safety issues concerning the aging of the population and excess mortality among young people”she continues.
To tackle this second challenge, European parliamentarians also said yes to a form of probationary period of at least two years after obtaining the permit. During this period, any dangerous driving, as well as exceeding the threshold of 0.2 grams per liter of alcohol in the blood, may be subject to increased sanctions.
Halve mortality
Concerning young drivers, MEPs decided to lower the age from which it is possible to drive a heavy goods vehicle to 17, provided that the person is accompanied by an experienced driver. A measure to combat the labor shortage in the transport sector.
The main objective of this text, however, remains security. The aim is to halve mortality on European roads between 2020 and 2030.
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