HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

On Monday, December 4, the transportation ministers of the European Union gave their approval to a reform aimed at modernising and enhancing European road safety regulations.

The primary objectives of this reform include putting an end to impunity on the roads, ensuring non-resident drivers adhere to traffic rules when driving in other Member States, and facilitating permit withdrawals throughout the EU. Noteworthy features of the plan, subject to final negotiations between governments and the European Parliament, comprise the introduction of a digital licence valid across the entire EU and the provision allowing individuals from the age of 17 to drive cars and trucks, provided they are accompanied.

Spanish Minister Oscar Puente, representing the EU presidency, hailed this reform as a paradigm shift for the driving licence regime in Europe. The overarching goal is to halve road deaths by 2030, as per the common position negotiated by governments.

Under the proposed system, young people can commence learning to drive at 17, and those who pass can drive with a companion over 24 years old, possessing 5 years of driving experience and no recent licence infractions. Upon reaching 18, new drivers gain the ability to drive alone.

The European Commission's March proposal, which drew inspiration from successful implementations in Austria and Germany, emphasises the positive impact of allowing young drivers to gain experience under adult supervision. The reform enforces stricter conditions for novice drivers during their initial two years of driving, or longer depending on each country's rules, and introduces a zero-tolerance rule for alcohol. This measure is deemed essential by Brussels, given that, despite representing only 8 percent of car drivers, drivers under 30 are involved in two out of every five fatal collisions.

To streamline the recognition of driving licences, the reform introduces a digital identity card accessible through the European digital identity wallet, simplifying processes like replacement, renewal, or exchange of licences through online channels. Additionally, the reform encourages the use of medical self-assessments as a preliminary filter for assessing driver fitness.

Governments have introduced modifications to the initial proposal, including the option for older individuals to voluntarily reduce the validity periods of their driving licences. There is also a clearer outline for assessing physical and mental fitness before issuing or renewing a driving licence, along with more detailed guidance for the European Commission's evaluation of the road safety frameworks of third countries.

Addressing cross-border traffic offences, the reform seeks to tighten the framework, aiming to prevent drivers from evading sanctions and licence withdrawal for serious infractions. In contrast to the current legal framework, where the withdrawal of a driving licence is contingent on the offence occurring in the issuing Member State, the reform proposes a more stringent approach.

While existing legislation covers common violations like speeding and drunk driving, the European Commission proposes expanding the scope to include new offences. The Council, in alignment with this, is introducing additional crimes, such as non-compliance with vehicle access restrictions, rules at railway level crossings, and hit-and-run incidents. This multifaceted reform represents a comprehensive effort by the EU to enhance road safety and driving regulations across Member States.

Source: El Periodico - El Pais