WRITTEN QUESTION P-0507/03 by Emilia Müller (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Europe-wide introduction of an innovative mounting system for roadside reflector posts.
Date: 2003-02-18
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: European standard, approximation of laws, competence of the Member States, harmonisation of standards, road building, road network, road safety, traffic signs

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Official Journal of the European Union

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18.9.2003

and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) on this issue. The elaboration of such proposals will take
place in the coming months,
involving wide consultation with stakeholders. While the Commission
believes that these measures should aim at improving significantly the way the problem of incidental
cetacean capture is currently addressed, it is impossible at this stage to have a more precise idea on the
exact effect of measures which have not yet been adopted.

According to ICES (2), there is no direct evidence on which to blame the pelagic trawl fisheries for bass for
being the fishery responsible for the numbers of dead, incidentally caught dolphins arriving on beaches in
England and France. In other words, other fisheries than the one for bass are also catching dolphins. ICES
considers that a ban on pelagic trawling would be an arbitrary measure, unlikely to achieve the desired
goal. However,
it also identifies that there is an urgent need for a comprehensive monitoring on the
numerous trawl fisheries active in this region.

At this stage, the Commission does therefore not consider the possibility for introducing an immediate
temporary ban on sea bass fishing. However, the setting of mandatory observer schemes for different
fisheries will certainly be part of the above-mentioned future Commission proposals on this issue.

(1) Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (cid:1)

OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(2) Namely the report of the ICES Advisory Committee on Ecosystems 2002

(available at http://www.ices.dk/committe/ace/2002/Section-2.pdf), and particularly within its chapter 2.3.3.

(2003/C 222 E/238)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0502/03

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(21 February 2003)

Subject: Iberian lynx

In view of the threat to the survival of the Iberian lynx, will the Commission take the initiative to develop
a coordinated strategy to secure its survival with the Spanish national and regional Governments?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(18 March 2003)

Since 1999, Spain has had a National Conservation Programme for the Iberian lynx. The programme
works on both national and international levels, developing projects and undertakings for the conservation
of the lynx. The Iberian Lynx Work Group works both in Spain and in Portugal on priority items
according to the guidelines set in the Conservation Programme.

The Commission has recently initiated a survey into the large carnivores situation in all Member States and
Candidate Countries. When the survey is completed, the next step will be to develop, in co-operation with
those countries, co-ordinated guidelines for large carnivores protection and management in the Union.

(2003/C 222 E/239)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0507/03

by Emilia Müller (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(18 February 2003)

Subject: Europe-wide introduction of an innovative mounting system for roadside reflector posts

A good system of reflector posts is vital for road safety, since it helps drivers get their bearings, particularly
at night. For drivers who are not familiar with the route, reflector posts are a necessary aid which enables
them to drive safely. A new mounting system for reflector posts makes it possible to halve the height of

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Official Journal of the European Union

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traditional posts, with the reflector posts being fixed onto a support structure. The posts are thus raised
from the ground. The mounting system itself is not placed directly at the side of the road (cid:1) as is necessary
with traditional posts (cid:1) but further away from the road on the outer verge. The support arms on which
the reflector posts are mounted reach in to the current position of the posts. This plastic or steel
construction offers significant benefits in terms of safety (cid:1) particularly for motor cyclists (cid:1) and reduces
the general risk of accident and injury. Unlike traditional posts, the new posts do not hinder mowing and
cleaning work on the verge. The potential savings this will offer for local councils, regions and other
bodies responsible for road maintenance in terms of work and cost are considerable.

The Commission:

(cid:1) can it say whether any further harmonisation is planned in the near future in the area of road building

and transport?

(cid:1) are any efforts being made towards approximating the way in which roads are equipped in the EU

Member States?

(cid:1) can the reflector posts described above be introduced throughout Europe?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(14 March 2003)

The Commission confirms that in the coming months it will propose a directive laying down minimum
requirements for the management of road infrastructure safety by the Member States. Member States will
be required, in particular, to identify and eliminate black spots and carry out safety audits for roads in the
trans-European network.

Reflector posts have already been installed along many roads in various countries. They have a positive
effect on vehicle guidance and are particularly effective for night traffic and when there is limited visibility,
by outlining the driving lane and highlighting the course of the road.

These posts fall within the scope of Directive 89/106/EEC (1), known as the Construction Products
Directive. They require the publication by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) of a
harmonised standard which will at European level lay down the conditions and technical requirements to
be met in order to be granted CE marking. They can then benefit from free movement and free access to
the various national markets.

However, any decision to install these posts along the roads is the responsibility of the Member States or
infrastructure managers. There are currently no reasons for the general introduction of this equipment.

(1) Council Directive 89/106/EEC of 21 December 1988 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative

provisions of the Member States relating to construction products (cid:1) OJ L 40, 11.2.1989.

(2003/C 222 E/240)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0512/03

by Stefano Zappalà (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(24 February 2003)

Subject: Professional qualifications

Knowing that:

1.

In Italy, under the order of 23 October 2002 signed by the Director-General
Justice
(published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale, General series, No 261, 7 November 2002), as amended by the
order of the Director-General for Civil Justice dated 8 November 2002 (published in the Gazzetta
Ufficiale, General series, No 272, 20 November 2002), Mr Marco Cavallera, an Italian national who

for Civil