91997E3724

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3724/97 by Luis Marinho (PSE) to the Commission (12 November 1997)

Subject: Safety of school transport vehicles

More and more accidents are occurring with school transport vehicles, with each year's figures being more disturbing. It is estimated that in 80% of cases the causes are material in nature (mechanical breakdown, material fatigue or inadequate safety precautions); only 20% of accidents are due to human error.

The wellbeing and safety of children is one of the objectives of family policy, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child lays down the obligation to legislate on the basis of this principle.

Can the Commission state:

1. what direct or indirect measures the EU can take to enhance the safety of school transport and contribute to reducing the problem of the existing out-of-date vehicles, which are overcrowded thanks to the rise in the school population;

2. whether it is considering a directive on the safety of school transport vehicles?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (11 December 1997)

The Commission has not previously received information that as many as 80% of school bus accidents in Portugal are due to technical failures and would, therefore, welcome further technical information from the Honourable Member on this matter.

Council Directive 96/96/EC of 20 December 1996 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers ((OJ L 46, 17.2.1997. )) lays down minimum requirements for roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles (including school buses). Such roadworthiness tests will both ensure that minimum safety standards are met and that vehicles are checked on a regular basis.

Furthermore, the Commission is considering presenting a proposal for European legislation permitting authorities to make random roadside checks to ensure that vehicles are being maintained to a standard consistent with that laid down in Directive 96/96/EC.

The Commission feels that Directive 96/96/EC, possibly to be reinforced by legislation on random roadside checks, provides for sufficient guarantees to improve vehicle standards in general and thus currently has no plans for specific legislation concerning school buses.