12 December 2005

AMSTERDAM — All cars in Europe within a few years will have to keep their headlights on at all times, whether travelling in the day or at night, European Union is proposing.

The new requirement is intended to cut the number of accidents in traffic, according to a document published on Monday. It outlines new rules for the European car sector designed to make the industry more competitive, safer and improve environmental performance.

The 10-year strategy was proposed by the Cars 21 group in Brussels, comprised of EU policy makers, member state officials from Germany, France, Britain, Italy and the Czech Republic and industry representatives.

European Enterprise and Industry Commissioner Gunter Verheugen said there was complete consensus on the framework among industry,environmental and consumer groups.

"Everyone has agreed to abide by the commitments made within it," Verheugen said.   The ambitious plan foresees "the car of the future", which will be much safer with electronic stabilisers, braking assistance and daytime headlights, he said.

It will also be cleaner, with massive reductions in particulate and greenhouse gas emissions, he added.

The Dutch media leapt on the requirement for cars to keep lights on at all times while in motion. This requirement may be introduced from next year, Verheugen said. Italy and some other European countries already enforce such a rule. The Netherlands does not.

Brussels is working with the car industry to produce headlights better suited for operation during daylight. The lights must not be too bright and must consume less energy.

[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2005]

Subject: Dutch news