At their meeting of 9-10 December 2004, European Transport Ministers adopted formally the conclusions from their 2nd Verona meeting on road safety. In these conclusions Ministers outline priorities for enhancing road safety by improving road design, compliance with rules and vehicle safety. As regards the funding of road safety work, Ministers propose the creation of a European road safety fund, drawing on a percentage of vehicle taxes, motorway tolls, insurance premiums or traffic fines.

The Commission has distanced itself from the Ministers’ conclusions, stating it would act only in accordance with the right of initiative given to it by the treaties. In a declaration attached to the document, the Commission warns against “anticipatory effects” for measures which are difficult to implement, such as the “establishment of specific funds to finance measures to improve road safety”.

Source: Safety Monitor, No. 57

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