The European Parliament adopted by 635 votes to 22 with 5 abstentions a legislative resolution on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 96/53/EC as regards the time limit for the implementation of special rules on the maximum length for cabs improving aerodynamic performance, energy efficiency and safety performance.
The proposal aims to amend Council Directive 96/53/EC as regards the deadline for the implementation of the special rules regarding maximum length in case of cabs delivering improved aerodynamic performance, energy efficiency and safety performance.
The position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading under the ordinary legislative procedure has amended the Commission proposal as follows:
The Commission should take the necessary measures, within the framework established by Directive 2007/46/EC, to provide for the type-approval of vehicles or vehicle combinations referred to in Directive 96/53/EC by 1 November 2019 at the latest. The provisions would apply from 1 September 2020.
A recital highlights the transport sector and equipment manufacturers need sufficient time to develop new services and products. In order to take advantage of more flexible design rules for cabs, the Commission should take measures to ensure that the necessary technical provisions can be adopted as soon as possible, with a view to ensuring a smooth and rapid placing on the market of a new generation of cabs.
In addition, the Commission and the Member States, acting in their respective roles within the Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles established by Directive 2007/46/EC, should make every effort to ensure that an opinion is delivered promptly. If the measures envisaged by the Commission are not in accordance with the opinion of that Committee, or if no opinion is delivered, the Commission should act without delay.