Transport of dangerous goods by road: type-approval of motor vehicles and trailers (amend. Directive 70/156/EEC)

OBJECTIVE : the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive seeks to establish the technical requirements for motor vehicles and their trailers intended for the transport of dangerous goods by road. It will ensure that the technical conditions exist to ensure that the dangerous goods are safeguarded during their transport. SUBSTANCE : The proposal for a directive lays down a series of requirements (Article 100A of the EC Treaty) with a view to achieving total harmonization of the relevant technical provisions for vehicles intended for the transport of dangerous goods by road. The proposal for a directive is a companion to Directive 94/55/EC and lays down special provisions for: - the design and construction of the base vehicle intended for the transportation of dangerous goods, and - technical specifications regarding: electrical equipment, braking system (e.g. ABS and endurance braking system), fire risk prevention and speed limitation. Compliance with all the relevant technical requirements of this Directive will ensure free circulation for the vehicles concerned within the internal market of the EU. This new Directive will be based on optional harmonization. Member States may require that only the prescriptions of the EC separate Directive apply. Alternatively they may maintain national legislation on this matter in which case the manufacturer can choose one or other of these options. This Directive does not affect national or Community legislation addressing the use of such vehicles. �