Motor vehicles and trailers: liquid-fuel tanks, rear underrun protection (amend. direct. 70/221/EEC)

At first reading under codecision procedure, the European Parliament approved the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive amending Council Directive 70/221/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to liquid-fuel tanks and rear underrun protection of motor vehicles and their trailers, subject to amendments relating to the following areas: - adding a recital which highlights the important hazard posed to the riders of two-wheel motor vehicles and pedal cycles by the accidental spillage of fuel (especially diesel); - requiring assistance of the Commission by a committee comprising Member State representatives and chaired by a Commission representative in adapting the requirements of the Annexes of the directive to technical progress; - delaying entry into force of the directive and the obligations to be met by Member States; - redefining "unladen mass" in running order in line with item 2.6 of Annex I to Directive 70/156/EEC; - specifying additional requirements for vehicles fuelled by diesel or other fuel of low volatility; - extending test requirements not only to the tank but also to all its accessories. The Parliament's rapporteur was Felipe Camisón Asensio (PPE,ES).�