(2000/C 27 E/053) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1399/99
by Gerhard Schmid (PSE) to the Commission
(1 September 1999)
Subject: Daytime running lights and light-sensitive switches
1. Does the Commission have information suggesting that the introduction of compulsory daytime
running lights in road transport following the example of Scandinavian countries could lead to a reductionin the number of accidents?
2. Is the Commission considering proposing the introduction of compulsory daytime running lights in
the European Union?
3. Is the Commission considering encouraging the introduction of a light-sensitive switch?4. Is the Commission considering taking other measures in order to permit the main effects of daytime
driving with lights to be achieved, without the possible attendant negative effects?
Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission
(10 September 1999)
The accident reduction effect of daytime running lights has been extensively researched on the basis of
available evidence following its adoption in some Member States as well as Hungary and Canada. It has
also been assessed on the basis of the effects of trial experiments following the use of daytime runninglights on vehicle fleets. Overall, the results indicate that daytime running lights can reduce accidents,especially fatal accidents, and that the effect varies directly with latitude and is most pronounced inScandinavian countries.
Evidence from some of the more robust studies, relevant to Central Europe, indicates that the accident
reduction effect in these latitudes is modest but statistically significant. There is an on-going debate aboutthe magnitude of the accident reduction effect of daytime running lights.
The Commission, in close cooperation with the High Level Group of representatives from each Member
State on road safety, is still investigating the effects of daytime running lights and, in particular, theirimpact upon increased fuel consumption, and carbon dioxide (CO
2) emissions, currently estimated to lie
between 0,4 % and 2,5 %. The actual outcome depends very much upon the type of daytime running lightarrangement adopted, or the mix of alternative daytime running light arrangements adopted. The twilightswitch can automatically activate headlamps when ambient daylight levels are low, or there is poorvisibility, so they are not active for a large proportion of daytime running hours. This offers lower levels ofadditional fuel consumption and CO
2emissions.
The extent to which daytime running lights increases fuel consumption is a significant issue within the
context of current initiatives to improve the fuel economy of passenger cars. The Commission willtherefore consider this issue carefully in its evaluation of the overall effects of daytime running lights.
(2000/C 27 E/054) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1400/99
by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) and Doris Pack (PPE-DE) to the Commission
(1 September 1999)
Subject: The Commissions infringement proceedings against cross-border book price-fixing in Austria and
Germany
1. In a series of resolutions, most recently on 20 November 1998 (Resolution B4-0991/98 (1)),
Parliament has expressed an opinion on the subject of cross-border book price-fixing. With regard to theproceedings instituted by the Commission, Parliament assumes that dialogue with the Commission willcontinue in Parliaments next legislative term and that the Commission will abide by the usual proceduresand not take a final decision in this matter before then.C 27 E/46 EN 29.1.2000 Official Journal of the European Communities