WRITTEN QUESTION E-0905/04 by Richard Corbett (PSE) to the Commission. Bicycle helmets.
Date: 2004-03-24
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: road safety, safety device, sports body, transport accident

8.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 88 E/243

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(22 April 2004)

In relation to the first question put by the Honourable Member, the Commission is aware that some
makes, including Mercedes, offer a three-year warranty in the United Kingdom and only two years in other
Member States.

The Commission considers that the duration of the Mercedes cars warranty depends entirely on the
European marketing policy of Daimler Chrysler. Provided this warranty fulfils the requirements of the
Commission Regulation (EC) No 1400/2002 (1) concerning the car sector (e.g., the possibility left to the
consumer to have his/her warranty honoured by any member of the car manufacturers’ repair network
within the European Union), the Commission does not view a longer duration as a restrictive competition
practice which would prevent free trade across Europe.

A longer warranty is indeed a good commercial incentive like commercial discounts can be, but it certainly
does not deprive the consumer of the ability to buy a car outside the United Kingdom if he/she thinks that
he/she can make a better deal when buying abroad.

(1) Commission Regulation (EC) No 1400/2002 of 31 July 2002 on the application of Article 81(3) of the Treaty to

categories of vertical agreements and concerted practices in the motor vehicle sector, OJ L 203, 1.8.2002.

(2004/C 88 E/0246)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0905/04

by Richard Corbett (PSE) to the Commission

(24 March 2004)

Subject: Bicycle helmets

Is the Commission aware of the position of the European Cycling Federation opposing legislation that
makes the wearing of helmets compulsory for all cyclists? Particularly, is the Commission aware of the
studies they quote showing that the compulsory use of helmets does not decrease the accident rate
involving cyclists?

Is the Commission prepared to investigate the matter and, if appropriate, reconsider the need for such
legislation?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(30 April 2004)

The Commission is aware of the position of the European Cyclists’ Federation on the wearing of protective
helmets by cyclists, and of the studies referred to by the Honourable Member.

The Commission has not so far supported or opposed Community legislation on the wearing of helmets
by cyclists. In the third European road safety action programme (1), adopted in 2003, which provides the
reference framework for Commission initiatives up to 2010,
it announced that it intends to compile
figures on the use of helmets by cyclists in the EU and the effectiveness of cycle helmet use in reducing the
risks of head injury, in particular amongst 10-14 year olds, the high-risk group. The negative or positive
impact on bicycle use and the measures to be taken, where appropriate, at EU level, will also be studied.
As this study is not one of the priority actions, it will not start before 2005.

(1) Halving the number of road accident victims in the European Union by 2010: a shared responsibility (cid:1)

Communication from the Commission, COM(2003) 311 final.