17. More coordination in terms of traffic to avoid impunity on the roads. This is what the European Commission wants to increase the sanctions that drivers can now face when they commit an offense in a state other than their place of residence. In 2019, 40% of such fines remained unpaid because the offenders could not be found or it was impossible to process the payment. And that’s what Brussels wants to prevent, having launched a package of measures to boost road safety to move towards its ambitious goal of eliminating road accidents by 2050.
The proposed legislation would allow the automatic withdrawal of a driving license across the EU when it is carried out in a member state. This possibility is not currently considered.
The European Commission’s intention is to give national authorities more access to driving license records and to strengthen cooperation in the investigation of this type of crime. Thus, Brussels wants to expand the range of crimes in which the law currently provides for this cooperation (restricted to the most serious, such as speeding or consuming alcohol) to others, such as maintaining a safe distance, dangerous overtaking, reckless driving in the opposite direction. direction or skipping a solid line, among others.
“This will help reduce impunity for these crimes and improve member states’ ability to prosecute criminals.” It also ensures equal treatment between residents and non-residents,” who commented on the violations, the European Commission said in a statement. “Those who drive dangerously should not get away,” said European Transport Commissioner Adina Vaellani.
To improve interoperability within the 27, Brussels wants to issue a digital card that will be recognized by all member states, which is not happening now. It will be easier to replace, upgrade or modify, as all procedures will be online,” the press release said.
The Commission’s proposal also focuses on young drivers. It claims that, as is already the case in Germany and Austria, a license can be obtained from the age of 17, but after approval, they must drive accompanied by an adult (over 25 and driving. License for 5 years). ) until adulthood.
It also proposes that new drivers have a “zero tolerance” period for alcohol for two years. In Spain, for example, the law provides for lower rates for professionals and those who have recently passed the exam. According to the Commission, on average 10 people were killed for every 100,000 new drivers in the EU, and 3 for every 100,000 experienced drivers. Young people make up 8% of drivers, but they account for 16% of the 20,000 road traffic deaths in the EU each year.
The procedure for the entry into force of the road safety package has just started and is now to be negotiated within the framework of the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament.
Source: El Diario
