Standard tests for frontal protection systems on cars

Publication date: 26 May 2005

In its Plenary session today, the European Parliament adopted the report of  on a draft Directive which will provide better control on the use of frontal protection systems.

report_final_hedkwist_bull_bars.pdf (258 KB)

MEPs are calling for tougher safety standards for frontal protection systems on road vehicles in a legislative report on a Commission proposal  (COM(2003) 586 final - 2003/0226 (COD)) setting out tests for such systems, which include bull bars. Car manufacturers have already made a voluntary agreement with the Commission not to install "rigid bull bars" on new cars. This new draft directive, however, details the tests for approving all frontal protection systems. MEPs are anxious that frontal protection systems should be designed in a way that improves pedestrian safety and reduces the number of injuries.

com2003_0586_bull_bars.pdf (93 KB)

Parliament adopted a series of compromise amendments agreed with the Council, which means that the directive can be adopted in first reading. On the scope of the directive, the compromise amendment states that this Directive does not affect the Member States' competence to ban or to restrict the use of those frontal protection systems which were placed on the market as separate technical units before the entry into force of this Directive. (AM 23) This paragraph is designed to ensure that EU legislation is not applied retroactively and that bull bars already in existence are not covered by the proposed legislation.

Member States have to publish, at the latest, nine months afters publication of the directive the laws and regulations necessary to comply with the directive.

Background:
Systems providing additional frontal protection of motor vehicles have been increasingly used in recent years. Some of these systems constitute a risk to the safety of pedestrians and other road users in the case of a collision with a motor vehicle. It is estimated that ”pedestrian-friendly” car designs could avoid up to 2000 pedestrian and cyclist deaths each year in the EU.

Related News Items:
- MEPs call to phase out bull bars (19 January 2005)
- EU moves to remove "bull bars" (10 October 2003)