ETSC warns that a shifting political climate is beginning to dismantle the very safety leadership the EU once pioneered.

ETSC highlights five critical areas where recent legislative changes or proposals are actively undermining safety:

  • Small electric vehicle safety “freeze” : a promised 10-year halt on new safety requirements for small EV’s, despite 40% of road deaths occurring in the urban environments where these vehicles proliferate.

  • The rise of 60t “megatrucks”: pushing for cross-border movement of massive “gigaliners” that pose extreme risks to infrastructure and vulnerable road users.

  • Standards dilution: the risk of a shift toward mutual recognition of US vehicle standards, threatening to flood EU markets with heavier, less-regulated SUVs and pickups.

  • Younger lorry drivers: revisions to the Driving Licence Directive that lower minimum ages for HGV drivers, despite clear evidence of higher risk profiles for younger operators.

  • Technical inspection gaps: leaving 70% of the motorcycle fleet (mopeds and motorcycles up to 125cc) without mandatory EU-wide annual safety checks.

  • 87Six@lemmy.zipEnglish
    32·
    6 days ago

    To fill the pockets of inspection operators that get bribe money for passing inspection on shitty vehicles

    I know 3 guys in my area that do this, none of them were fined even once.

    • Alcoholicorn@mander.xyzEnglish
      4·
      6 days ago

      I have zero doubt that’s common, but are corrupt bike inspectors an influential political block? The same applies in US states that require emissions testing, minus the bribery.