Posted on 17 Sep 2013
following on from the start of this thread , I have written to my MEP regarding this subject....the following text is an extract from the e-mail I received from her...
My Labour colleague Brian Simpson, who leads on transport issues for Labour MEPs, has been dealing with the current revision to EU rules on MOT tests, where the testing of all trailers below 3.5 tonnes is on the table.
On 2nd July Labour MEPs voted to exclude trailers, including caravans from the MOT testing regime. Regrettably this position was not shared by many in the European Parliament and we did not manage to get a majority to support exempting caravan type trailers above 750kg from the MOT testing regime.
I understand that there were many concerns raised about caravans left in garages or farm fields over winter and then being taken onto the roads in the summer in not the best conditions. While I appreciate that many caravan owners have their vehicles checked, some do not. There were also concerns raised by some MEPs over caravans in not good condition crossing borders and causing road safety hazards in other EU countries. Apparently this is causing road safety problems for some EU countries.
Now that the European Parliament has adopted its official position, the next part of this process is for the European Parliament to begin negotiations with the Council (where the 28 national governments sit). The Council position is to delete all trailers below 3.5 tonnes from the scope of the testing regime. The Council and the European Parliament will have to find a compromise position on this issue. It is difficult to predict the outcome of the negotiations at this stage, but given the Council position there is some hope that Council will water down the provisions regarding caravans.
draw your own conclusions but it appears to me it's a fate a compli ( my French ain't too good but i'm sure you'll know what I mean )
