To this end the knowledge, skills and behaviour connected with driving motor vehicles should be defined, the driving test should be based on these concepts and the minimum standards of physical and mental fitness for driving such vehicles should be redefined.

I would like to suggest that those found guilty of impaired driving by the courts face (a) a mandatory loss of their driving privileges for a period of one year for the first offence; (b) a fine of not less than $1,000; (c) a requirement to attend a two-week to one-month alcohol and drug impaired-driving program at their own expense; and (d), at the end of this program, successful completion of an exam, with a passing grade of 85%, before they are able to reapply for their driving privileges.

The Netherlands has an exemplary model for disposing of cars as per the wishes of the directive and the issue of whether the buyer of a new car should pay or, in the case of end-of-life vehicles currently driving around, the manufacturer, has nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with ecology; it is a simple question of competition!

That is why we intervened in Kosovo where an odious regime was in the process of driving out a whole people; and that is why we were delighted when Indonesia’s atrocities in East Timor were eventually brought to an end.

We have had a relentless drive to achieve full safety methods in beef production in my country, quite rightly after BSE. That led to the end of the beef ban in August of this year, but not, apparently, in France.

Testing already applies to heavier vehicles by virtue of directive 77/143; cars are tested in some Member States, but at different degrees of scope and severity. b. Improvements to the existing braking directive, including requirements for anti-lock systems for heavy vehicles; c. Side guards for heavy vehicles on which a proposal will be submitted by the end of 1985. d. Spray suppressors for heavy vehicles, on which a proposal will be submitted during the course of the "Year". e. Driving licence : Proposals for further harmonisation of the conditions for obtaining driving licences will be presented by the end of 1985 or early in 1986.The Commission will also consider making appropriate amendments to Directive 80/1263 with a view to phasin ...[+++]g out the existing rules concerning the exchange of driving licences. f. Transport of Dangerous Goods : the Commission will introduce two proposals in the field : - one to provide more frequent and more specific inspection of vehicles transporting certain dangerous goods; and - another to introduce a harmonised training programme for drivers of such vehicles.