OBJECTIVES:
- to test speed limitation devices, the installation and use of which have been compulsory on lorries over 12 tonnes and on buses and coaches over 10 tonnes since 1 January 1994;
- to ensure that vehicles are tested and maintained so that they are safe on the road;
- to avoid distortions of competition between transporters due to differences in technical tests in the Member States;
- to clarify the situation as regards tests on vehicles of historical interest.
CONTENT:
- the proposal for a Council directive codifies existing directives (Directive 77/143/EEC and its subsequent amendments) and extends their scope;
- Member States have the right to set their own testing standards for all aspects of vehicles of historical interest (and not just braking efficiency);
- speed limitation devices are included in the list of points which must be tested (the deadlines of the directives replaced have been maintained);
- in Annex II, category 4 (taxis and ambulances) have been moved from the left-hand column to the right-hand column (with categories 5 and 6), given that the technical requirements - and hence the points which need to be tested - are the same as for private vehicles.�