EU Commission proposes mandatory yearly checks for older automobiles
For a safer road, the European Union is considering a radical shift. The EU Commission proposes that cars, which are at least ten years old, undergo a mandatory annual inspection. This proposal, however, is yet to gain approval from the European Parliament and EU states, as it requires their consensus.
The reasoning behind this move is simple: older vehicles are more vulnerable to breakdowns and accidents, often causing higher emissions. Statistics indicate they're more likely to be involved in accidents and have a higher proportion of vehicles with high emissions. The Commission believes that this measure could potentially reduce traffic deaths and injuries by around 1%.
Currently, some countries already require annual inspections for older vehicles, while others follow bi-yearly check-ups. For instance, in Germany, vehicles undergo a regular inspection every two years. Newer cars, on the other hand, are exempt from inspections for the first three and a half years. Missing an appointment and not obtaining a new TÜV sticker on time could lead to fines during vehicle checks.
The Commission asserts that mandatory annual inspections can make a significant difference, especially in terms of safety. Given that cars account for the majority of fatal accidents, and even though technical defects contribute a small percentage to accidents, frequent inspections of older vehicles can identify potential issues before they become hazardous. Moreover, the checks also address environmental concerns, focusing on ultrafine particles and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions.
While the Commission's proposal is a step towards standardizing safety and environmental regulations across the EU, it's a lengthy process. The agreement must be approved by both the European Parliament and the EU states, and discussions about digitalization of inspections, registration, and data sharing across borders are ongoing to prevent fraud.
References:1. ntv.de2. ses/dpa3. Various studies on vehicle safety and emissions
- The proposal for annual inspections of older vehicles in the EU, if agreed upon, could extend beyond road safety and include employment opportunities for inspectors across various member states.
- In Brussels, meetings are ongoing to discuss the proportion of cars that may potentially be employed for inspections, considering the increased frequency of tests under the proposed policy.
- As technology advances, whatsapp groups might become a tool for coordinating and communicating within the community about the time and location of vehicle inspections, enhancing efficiency and transparency.