This proposal for a Directive seeks to amend Council Directive 74/408/EEC of 22 July 1974, as last amended by Commission Directive 96/37/EC, on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to seats for motor vehicles with a view to impose the fitting of safety belts in motor vehicles other than passenger cars, from 1st July 2004. Currently, only passenger cars are required by Community laws to be fitted with safety belts. The following Directives concern the installation of safety belts in relation to vehicles : – Council Directive 77/541/EEC of 28 June 1977, as last amended by Commission Directive 2000/3/EC, on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to safety belts and restraint systems of motor vehicles; – Council Directive 76/115/EEC of 18 December 1975, as last amended by Commission Directive 96/38/EC, on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to anchorages for motor-vehicles safety belts; – Council Directive 74/408/EEC of 22 July 1974, as last amended by Commission Directive 96/37/EC, relating to motor vehicles with regard to the seats, their anchorages and head restraints. With a view to the compulsory installation of safety belts in all vehicles, the Commission is proposing to amend the three Directives simultaneously. Taking into account that the final objective of the proposed action is to improve road safety, they should be adopted at the same time and be implemented at the same date. The proposed amending directives are based on Article 95 of the Treaty establishing the European Community. They are founded on the principle of total harmonisation, the purpose of which is to replace national laws and procedures that are liable to create barriers to the free movement of goods by a single, binding set of Community rules and a single approval procedure. In this particular case, the installation of seat belts in vehicles other than passenger cars requires that manufacturers develop the appropriate technology to provide occupants with the highest degree of protection. Relevant provisions for such purposes are already present in the Community legislation. In the interests of the good functioning of the internal market, these Directives must be made compulsory within the Community and implemented at the same date. Only such concerted action can contribute to ensure the proper functioning of the internal market. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting