European Parliament demands higher safety standards for new cars, vans and lorries

The European Parliament says all new cars sold in Europe should be fitted as standard with a range of life-saving technologies including automated emergency braking, intelligent speed assistance and seatbelt reminders in all seats.

Safety campaigners say the technologies could be as important as the seat belt, but action is needed now because it will take years before the majority of cars on the roads have the technology.

The resolution was authored and approved by the Parliament’s Transport committee last month but has now got backing from the full Parliament. The European Commission is expected to publish its final legal proposals for revised vehicle safety standards by March next year. Those plans would then need to be approved by EU member states and the Parliament.

Antonio Avenoso, Executive Director of the European Transport Safety Council commented:

“These new vehicle safety measures are the EU’s best hope for restarting progress on road safety in Europe. But they will take several years to take effect and even longer before the majority of cars on our roads all have these features. After several years of foot dragging, it is now absolutely critical that the European Commission publishes its proposals without any further delay.

“Making these proposed technologies mandatory could be as important as the introduction of the seat belt in safety terms, so we want to thank MEPs for taking such a positive stance on this issue.”

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