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Green light for EU type approval directive
Page 18
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THE EUROPEAN Union's harmonised type approval system for vehicle design has been extended to cover trucks, vans, semi-trailers and trailers, with the European Parliament approving a directive negotiated in advance with the EU Council of Ministers.
Mandatory design standards will be based on United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) models, creating one set of guidelines.
Until now national rules have governed which commercial goods vehicles could operate in the 27 EU member states.
The move could widen the avail ability of commercial vehicles across the EU; it is designed to improve safety. Many devices will become obligatory, such as advanced braking systems, side protection and anti-spray devices.
EU industry Commissioner Gtinter Verheugen says: "It is an important step to simplify our leg islation... it will improve the safety of trucks, buses and trailers."
European Community Vehicle Type Approval rules date back to the 1970s,imposing common environmental and safety standards and reducing 'barriers to trade'.
Time will tell how the directive will affect list prices.