WRITTEN QUESTION E-0804/02 by Catherine Stihler (PSE) to the Commission. Blood alcohol limits.
Date: 2002-03-20
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EC recommendation, EU Member State, European Economic Area, alcohol, enlargement of the Union, public awareness campaign, road safety, young person

C 277 E/90

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

14.11.2002

international marketing of rail services is gradually improving, e.g. with yield management techniques. The
Commission will, as announced in the new rail package (3), launch an initiative to improve international
rail passenger rights and obligations and will address the issue of international fares as well. The Parliament
will be fully involved in that process.

(1) OJ L 156, 28.6.1969.
(2) Amended proposal for a Regulation of the Parliament and of the Council on action by Member States concerning
public service requirements and the award of public service contracts in passenger transport by rail, road and inland
waterway, 21/02/2002, COM(2002) 107 final.

(3) COM(2002) 18 final.

(2002/C 277 E/098)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0804/02

by Catherine Stihler (PSE) to the Commission

(20 March 2002)

Subject: Blood alcohol limits

In January 2001 the European Commission adopted a recommendation on the maximum permitted blood
alcohol content for drivers of motorised vehicles (2001/115/EC (1)). What has been the impact of this
recommendation on the policies of
the
recommendation had an impact in the accession countries?

the EU Member States and the EEA countries? Has

Can the Commission give details of rules on maximum blood alcohol content for drivers currently in force
in each of:

1. The EU Member States;

2. The EEA countries;

3. The accession countries?

(1) OJ L 43, 14.2.2001, p. 43.

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(6 May 2002)

In accordance with the Commission’s recommendation of 17 January 2001 on the maximum permitted
blood alcohol content for drivers (1), several Member States are considering reducing the alcohol limit for
certain categories of drivers, in particular inexperienced drivers, in the near future. It is therefore premature
to assess the impact of the recommendation. The Commission intends to draw up a report on the
measures taken, but at a later stage. This report will also cover the countries of the European Economic
Area and the EU accession candidate countries.

It should be pointed out that the recommendation concerns not only the alcohol limit for drivers but all
aspects of combating drink-driving, in particular arrangements for controls and the equipment used by
police forces, information and awareness-raising campaigns, collection of statistics on the incidence of
alcohol in accidents and support for the search for and spread of best practices.

Following this recommendation and in accordance with the White Paper entitled ‘European Transport
Policy until 2010: Time to decide’ (2), the Commission has participated in several awareness-raising,
training and research schemes, giving priority to the protection of young drivers.

With regard to the general alcohol limits in force in the Member States, the Honourable Member should
consult the summary table in the chapter of the White Paper devoted to road safety issues.

(1) OJ L 43, 14.2.2001.
(2) COM(2001) 370 final.