Daytime Running Lights

[Eamonn Townsend]

Commission deal with automotive manufacturers angers vulnerable users.


The European federations representing vulnerable road users view very negatively the deal made between the European Commission (EC) and the European car manufacturers (ACEA) which includes Daytime Running Lights (DRL) for new cars produced from January 2002. FEMA, together with the European Cyclists' Federation and the International Pedestrians' Federation have formed a coalition in opposition against certain measures that have been thoughtlessly included in this agreement.

FEMA is concerned that many commentators believe that this offer from ACEA of a series of measures such as DRL, Anti lock Braking Systems and the ban of bull bars is in return for the EC accepting less stringent measures for car fronts being made more friendly for vulnerable road users.

FEMA is very surprised to see contradictory positions within the Commission itself. The Directorate General in charge of road safety declares that it is not appropriate to consider harmonisation on DRL, and is presently funding a project investigating the effect of DRL on the conspicuity of motorcyclists; while their colleagues from the Directorate General Enterprise advocate introducing DRL without waiting for the results of this research.

DRL is an issue that has generated a long term resistance from FEMA. The position of European motorcyclists remains the same: there is no room for European harmonisation on this matter. There is no scientific evidence showing the effectiveness of DRL in accident reduction. EU Member States have already set the most appropriate measures for their countries, which are generally supported by the road users and the national road safety authorities. Another major concern is that, if DRL become compulsory for all vehicles, motorcycles would loose the conspicuity that they presently have.

FEMA met with representatives of the Directorate General Enterprise of the EC and ACEA, where the arguments of vulnerable road users were clearly expressed. FEMA also undertook to provide the Commission with research evidence supporting that there was no positive benefit in accident reduction through DRL. This paper is now in the hands of the EC.

Unilateral deals are not the solution for having such important measures introduced. Though the text of ACEA's commitment will be presented to the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament, it will not fully involve them like it is the case when proposals go through the legislative process, and therefore also give the chance to all concerned parties to express their position.

FEMA national organisations are now making representations by their governments. FEMA, together with the other federations of vulnerable road users, will meet the European Parliament. The only acceptable outcome for motorcyclists: DRL must be removed from this agreement.