Approval of motor vehicles and their trailers. Framework Directive

With its initial proposal of 14 July 2003, the Commission proposed to extend the benefits of type-approval to all vehicles, including commercial vehicles, so as to complete the internal market in the automobile sector. Apart from the advantages in terms of economy of scale which this secures for manufacturers, this also helps to substantially improve vehicle safety by making compulsory ipso facto all the technical harmonisation directives drawn up since the adoption of Directive 70/156/EEC.

For European citizens, in addition to the advantages of an open and competitive single market, the major improvement in road safety is a vital factor at a time of rapid expansion in international commercial vehicle traffic.

The Council has given its backing to the amended Commission proposal. It has nonetheless made a number of changes which will have a positive impact on approval procedures.

In conclusion, the Commission supports the common position. It would nevertheless have preferred, as it would be in the interest of users themselves, to see earlier dates for the implementation of Community type-approval for commercial vehicles in order to complete the internal market and make the safety requirements for such vehicles compulsory as soon as possible.