The Commissioner designate for transport, Jacques Barrot, has now faced his confirmation hearing in the European Parliament. Mr. Barrot has pledged to make safety a priority of his tenure. In relation to road transport, he plans to evaluate in a mid-term review the progress made in relation to the EU target of reducing road death by 50%. 'Controls and sanctions' will be a major priority for the Frenchman, with a strong focus on cross-border enforcement of traffic rules.
Barrot is also considering new legislation in relation to infrastructure, reflective strips, rear view mirrors and daytime running lights, and he is keen to 'resume reflection' on the internalisation of certain external costs (including pollution, congestion and accident costs) in the revised Eurovignette Directive.

Source and more information: Safety Monitor, Number 55, www.etsc.be

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