WRITTEN QUESTION E-0566/03 by Luciano Caveri (ELDR) to the Commission. Problems relating to audible warning devices.
Date: 2003-02-27
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: approval, noise, road safety, technical standard, two-wheeled vehicle, vehicle parts

C 222 E/218

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

18.9.2003

(2003/C 222 E/247)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0566/03

by Luciano Caveri (ELDR) to the Commission

(27 February 2003)

Subject: Problems relating to audible warning devices

Directive 70/388/EEC (1) indicates minimum values for type approval of audible warning devices for motor
vehicles, ruling out the possibility of a mechanism for reducing the volume of the horn to avoid
environmental pollution (e.g. while driving slowly or at night) or increasing the volume in specific
circumstances (e.g. while driving at high speeds). However, Directive 93/30/EEC (2) requires the audible
warning devices on less powerful motorcycles and mopeds to have a lower sound level and this frequently
causes accidents between mopeds and pedestrians, as is clearly illustrated by accident statistics.

As regards the first point, does the Commission not consider that an amendment should be proposed to
the directive to authorise intelligent audible warning devices which will adjust the sound level according to
circumstances? As for the second point, should the sound levels of audible warning devices for two- or
three-wheel motor vehicles not be the same as those authorised for more powerful motorcycles?

(1) OJ L 176, 10.8.1970, p. 12.
(2) OJ L 188, 29.7.1993, p. 11.

Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission

(8 April 2003)

In principle the Commission is not opposed to the concept of an intelligent audible warning device.
However, as audible warning devices are intended to warn other road users in the proximity of the vehicle
of its presence or approach, very careful consideration would need to be given to justifying the use of
lower or higher levels of volume, than those that are currently prescribed in Council Directive 70/388/EEC
of 27 July 1970 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to audible warning
devices for motor vehicles.

As regards the audible warning devices required to be fitted to motorcycles and mopeds, the Commission
has had no indication that the lower level of sound permitted for audible warning devices fitted to mopeds
and low-powered motorcycles might not be heard by pedestrians and lead to accidents. Maximum and
minimum sound levels applicable for the different types of two-wheeled motor vehicles differ, but the
permitted ranges for each of these types of vehicle overlap. Therefore, it is possible for an audible warning
device to be produced that could be fitted for all types of two-wheeled motor vehicles.

If stakeholders were to find that the use of audible warning devices of variable sound level would be a
useful contribution to road safety and environmental protection the Commission would consider bringing
forward proposals to amend the provisions.

(2003/C 222 E/248)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0597/03

by Jonas Sjöstedt (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(28 February 2003)

Subject: Extra lights on HGV

The association of haulage contractors, Norr,
the new directive
concerning lights on HGV. In Sweden, the National Road Administration has proposed that the directive
should be incorporated into legislation as of May 2003.

in Norrbotten is indignant about