Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2003-04-07-Speech-1-067"

Predicate	Value (sorted: default)
rdf:type	lpv_eu:Speech2
dcterms:Date	"2003-04-07"^^xsd:date2
dcterms:Is Part Of	lp_eu:Periodic training of drivers of road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers2
dcterms:Language	"nl"^^xsd:language2
lpv:document identification number	"en.20030407.5.1-067"2
lpv:hasSubsequent	lp_eu:2003-04-07-Speech-1-0682
lpv:speaker	lp:Rijk van Dam2
lpv:spokenAs	member; EDD (1999-07-20--2004-07-19)3 member; CONT (2003-01-29--2004-07-19)3 vice-chair; Committee on Regional Policy, Transport and Tourism (2002-01-21--2004-07-19)3 unknown; ChristenUnie - Staatkundig Gereformeerde Parti (2002-03-18--2004-07-19)3 member; Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia and the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) (2002-02-07--2004-07-19)3 substitute; Delegation to the EU-Estonia Joint Parliamentary Committee (2002-09-18--2004-04-30)3 member; Delegation for relations with Israel (2002-02-07--2004-07-19)3 substitute; BUDG (2002-01-17--2004-07-19)3
lpv:translated text	"Madam President, some months ago we discussed the Markov report on driving times and rest times in the road haulage industry. One of the motives for limiting driving times is that driving a vehicle for long periods of time can create risks to road safety. Honesty compels me, however, to say that it is not only mental and physical fitness that contributes to road safety but also properly developed professional skills. That is why we support the proposal to lay down minimum requirements for the training of professional drivers. So far only two Member States have this kind of training. Extending this to all Member States will significantly promote the professional quality of drivers and safety on our roads to a comparable level. It is important that such training relates as much as possible both to the qualities of the individual driver and to day-to-day practice. This requires the training programme to be flexible. In that regard, therefore, I am happy with the different training methods proposed by the Council. Whereas the emphasis in the original plans was on attendance, it is now actually on demonstrating personal skills during the examination. The supervisory bodies who have to guarantee the quality of these exams therefore have an important task. It is also important to keep abreast of developments in training techniques. During the training it will most likely not be possible to cover every conceivable traffic situation. Combining numerous traffic situations in a simulator is therefore a step in the right direction. The use of simulators in training should therefore be encouraged in order to prepare drivers as thoroughly as possible for all possible situations. We should not only be paying attention to road safety but also to the personal safety of the drivers. On 14 and 15 October, the Justice and Home Affairs Council stated that heavy goods vehicles carrying valuable commercial goods are increasingly becoming an easy target for criminal organisations. The signals from insurance companies on this are clear. This brings with it considerable risks for the drivers. In order to fight these criminal activities, attention must also be paid in training courses to preventive measures. Not only to protect the cargo but also the driver. In conclusion, we regard the common position, including the proposed amendments, as a good basis for driver training right across the European Union. It will enable Member States to set up and maintain practice-oriented training. Many thanks to the rapporteur for his excellent work."@en1

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